To the editor:

Kate Levin’s so-called commentary that was published in last week’s issue of Shorelines is actually an edited version of the press release that her public relations and marketing enterprise Verve Creative Solutions recently produced for the Westport Rivers Winery. The owners of the winery probably felt the need for some public relations as they are being sued by their neighbor

whose farm abuts the vineyard.

As I understand it, the issue now before the courts has to do with the Board of Selectmen issuing an entertainment license to the Westport Rivers Winery which allows them hold outdoor concerts for which they charge admission. The problem is that the BOS may have acted in violation of both Westport’s Zoning Bylaw and Massachusetts law. That’s why it’s in court.

I don’t think the winery needs an entertainment license to give hayrides or to allow food trucks, fish smokers and oyster shuckers on site to cater to the agricultural tourists already flocking to their vineyard on weekends. And I don’t think you need an entertainment license to have a cajun string band or a classical string quartet playing some music while the agritouristas soak up the ambiance and more glasses of wine.

However, when you start charging ten bucks a car-load for weekly scheduled outdoor concerts featuring the same amplified cover bands that play the summer wedding circuit, that’s different. A neighbor might find that activity obnoxious. That citizen—any citizen in this country—has a constitutional right to seek a remedy in the courts.

The broader issue that will be argued will be what actually is agricultural tourism. Is it about supporting a regional and sustainable agriculture or promoting lifestyle theme parks charging money for admission and cheap entertainment.

Gregory Nowell

Westport Point