DEERFIELD — After taking a week to review Tree House Brewing Co.’s plans to increase occupancy for outdoor concerts and other special events, the Selectboard approved the amendments to the brewery’s permit on Tuesday evening.

The brewery appeared before the board on April 5 to request an amendment to its farmer series brewing permit to increase its occupancy to roughly 1,500 people to support future outdoor concerts and events, of which 10 are tentatively scheduled for this spring and summer. The business, located off Routes 5 and 10, has been operating for more than a year with a 500-patron occupancy limit.

While the Selectboard signaled its approval for the occupancy increase at its previous meeting, members said they wanted to do their due diligence in looking over the business’ proposed emergency action, security and parking plans. During ticketed events, the brewery will be closed to the general public.

“To be clear, the taproom during a performance ... would be available to people who are attending the concert,” said Tree House attorney Mark Borenstein. “The taproom will not be open the public.”

Among the security and safety details the company agreed to adhere to were ensuring there is enough space for large emergency vehicles to turn around in, holding a pre-event security meeting with staff and the Deerfield police officer, and the prohibition of tailgating. Tree House is still working with the building inspector to determine maximum occupancy of its warehouse if people need to be moved due to severe weather.

Parking will be handled at Tree House’s 282 parking spaces on site, with overflow parking available at the Yankee Candle flagship store’s 500-plus parking spots. Shuttle services will be provided by Tree House for folks parking in the overflow lot. Brewery staff will park at Yankee Candle’s corporate offices and events will be scheduled to not interfere with Yankee Candle’s hours of operation.

Tree House will also work with the Deerfield Police Department to coordinate traffic details at its entrance and the Yankee Candle store parking lot.

“We are in constant contact with the Police Department,” added Tree House Regulatory Specialist Allison Masley.

With details sufficiently shared, the Selectboard unanimously approved the permit’s amendments. The board also approved extending Tree House’s operating hours from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. to accommodate brunch hours and concerts running past the typical closing time of 8 p.m.

Selectboard member Carolyn Shores Ness requested Tree House provide a debriefing on its concert season at the end of the summer to see how things went because “more conversation is better.” Borenstein, however, suggested the brewery provide consistent communication with the town to ensure things run as smoothly as possible.

“A debrief later on is great, but constant communication is helpful,” Borenstein said. “If you see something that Tree House might not realize is an issue for you folks, please let us know, then we’ll correct it.”

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.

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