Those looking to enjoy a slice while sitting outside a Westhampton Beach pizzeria this summer could be disappointed as the village is poised to revoke the Montauk Highway establishment’s outdoor dining permit.
According to Westhampton Beach Village officials, police were called to Firehouse Pizza twice during the first week of April due to the presence of intoxicated men occupying the three wooden picnic tables set up outside the pizzeria. While there, officers noticed that the tables were not in good condition, citing splinters and nails sticking up from the wood.
Code Enforcement officials visited the establishment a few days later and noted that the tables, located on the west side of the building, should not have been placed outside until April 15. While there, they also observed that the tables were in shoddy condition and that exposed nails could pose a danger to patrons. The pizzeria’s outdoor dining permit is only valid from April 15 to November 15, according to village officials.
Representatives of Firehouse Pizza did not attend last week’s Village Board work session to address the issues, and the two phone numbers listed for the pizzeria have since been disconnected. Mayor Maria Moore said this week that, as far as she knows, the restaurant is still open.
She also noted that the village would not be renewing the establishment’s outdoor dining permit for this summer if the operators fail to address the issues, noting that outdoor dining in the village “is a privilege, not a right.”
“People need to comply with the rules, and we want to make sure that the seating that is provided is safe,” Ms. Moore added.