Applebee's Location Seeks to Have License Restored <b></b>

South Kingstown, Rhode Island-The menu at Applebee'sNeighborhood Grill & Bar features Cajun sirloin, barbecuechicken and garlic shrimp. But company officials also want it toinclude the Mucho CranRita, a drink made from tequila, orangeliqueur and cranberry juice.

In a fight with the town of South Kingstown, Applebee'sNortheast subsidiary has asked the state liquor controladministrator to overturn a Town Council decision to let thecompany's liquor license lapse.

Applebee's earlier submitted plans to build a 201-seatrestaurant at the entrance to the Village at South County Commons,a controversial development on Route 1.

Two weeks ago, council members said the company's one-yearliquor license ended November 30. They invited the chain to reapplyin August.

But Barry Gerstein, an Applebee's consultant, said therestaurant hadn't been able to use its liquor license becauseopponents of the Route 1 development have blocked the project incourt.

"Their action, in effect, stopped the clock on theyear-long license," Gerstein said. "Applebee'swasn't a party to that action, but [the opponents] stoppedconstruction. Now we're sitting back, and we can't doanything."

The company is the only named tenant in the 28-building retail,residential and light-industry development.

Although the Planning Board earlier approved the project,opponents appealed the decision. When the Zoning Board of Reviewupheld the earlier vote, that ruling was also appealed.

Recently, the developer agreed to postpone construction until aSuperior Court judge rules on the appeals. Under the stay, thedeveloper can continue to work on plans and drawings and apply forpermits. -The Providence Journal