SALISBURY — The Salisbury City Council voted to renew a one-year lease agreement with New Sarum Brewing Company that will allow the downtown brewery to continue using a section of the city-owned parking lot that surrounds the business during weekends after agreeing to a similar one in April of 2023. Downtown Development Director Sada Troutman said the agreement covers 15 parking spaces with an additional two for storage. 

“They can use it for putting up tables and chairs, having some entertainment, and basically, expanding their ability to have outdoor space at the brewery,” Troutman said.

The time frame in which New Sarum is able to utilize the parking lot is from Friday starting at 5 p.m. through Sunday ending at 11:59 p.m. As part of the lease agreement, New Sarum will need to keep the parking lot “clean and presentable,” have the public sidewalk remain open, and offer restrooms and security to accommodate the extra space. The city’s duties involves providing the parking spaces in question as well as displaying signage.

One difference in this year’s lease compared to last year’s is that New Sarum can put up a tent or shelter over the parking spaces they are leasing if they receive approval from the city beforehand and if it does not limit access to other parking spaces. 

The lease rate is identical to the previous one and is based off of the “standard lease for all parking spaces, $35 per space per month” according to Troutman, though it has been modified because New Sarum will not be able to use the spaces everyday.