Former Scramblers? It's Going to be a Cigar Bar

The East Greenwich Town Council last week approved a liquor license for Churchill’s Cigar Bar, which will open at the former Scrambler’s III restaurant on Main Street in the coming months.

Owner Jonathan Kent plans to offer customers a lounge atmosphere, a limited menu and alcohol service along with a selection of cigars at 564 Main St.

The building will get a substantial makeover, Kent told the council, with hardwood floors, comfortable seating and an upscale environment that will cater to professionals, cigar lovers and people craving a classy atmosphere to unwind.

Kent also owns Hanely’s Ale House and Ale House Cigar Bar in Providence.

Town Council Candidate Ed Field questioned why the town has a cap on liquor licenses if the cap is consistently raised. Just recently, the Town Council approved a license for Regency Cigar Emporium on Main Street, which is in the midst of an expansion and the addition of food and alcohol service.

“There has to be a time when you have to say no,” Field said. “There is no better time than now.”

In response, Town Council President Michael B. Isaacs said that the cap is a means to control licenses so they don’t get bought and sold if a business closes.

“it’s a mechanism for how we handle the license once the owner is no longer in business,” Isaac’s said. “You can’t sell your license to your friend.”

Council member Mark Watkins Gee said he went to Kent’s restaurant in Providence and saw no reason to object to the business he plans in EG. He also said that he doesn’t see any reason to discriminate because there is already a cigar bar in town.

“The more power to them,” he said.

The vote was 5-0.