“A little bit happy right now, because the state found out about the difference in the problem in the hotel and the problem here” at Taste of Orient, Cecilio Juntura told Wiscasset Newspaper Dec. 16. He was being asked by phone how he felt about the state’s decision in the restaurant’s favor for renewing its liquor license. Last summer, Wiscasset selectmen opposed the renewal request.

“We don’t have much problem in the restaurant,” Juntura said. He said he owns it and Schooner Inn. In the state’s Nov. 16 ruling Town Manager Dennis Simmons provided on request, Maine Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages & Lottery Operations Deputy Director Timothy Poulin wrote: “No records of service have been submitted to show repeated ... breaches of the peace, disorderly conduct, vandalism, or other similar violations occurring at Taste of Orient. While there may have been repeated ... calls for service related to potential breaches of the peace and disorderly conduct at Schooner Inn, no evidence has been provided to establish a link between such incidences and Taste of Orient.”

Poulin found the town’s denial of the renewal request “is without justifiable cause.” He granted the license, good through Aug. 29, 2023, according to the order.

The document cited a 30-day appeal period. In an email response to a question Dec. 16, Selectmen’s Chair Sarah Whitfield said she does not expect the town to appeal.

According to Poulin’s order and Wiscasset Newspaper files, selectmen unanimously denied the renewal request after an Aug. 2 public hearing.