Building Inspector Says Beach House Bar, Shop Violates Code

A bar and retail shop at a new hotel resort in Montauk has the owners of The Montauk Beach House in hot water.

Thomas Preiato, the senior for the Town of East Hampton, inspected the property on July 26 and discovered a full bar, where a counter in the guest services building was proposed on plans that had been submitted to his office, and a retail clothing shop in what was a shed.

"These are serious issues, and you are directed to cease the operation of the same, since it is in violation of the Code and to avoid further enforcement proceedings," Preiato wrote in a letter dated Friday to Chris Jones, an owner of the hotel.

The Montauk Beach House, formerly the Ronjo motel and situated in the heart of downtown Montauk, to the resort's pools. Minnie Rose, a luxury knitwear store, opened as a pop-up shop.

The hotel opened last month with led by East Hampton Town Supervisor Bill Wilkinson, after months of controversy surrounding the sale of .

"It is clearly evident that the bar is being used for more than guest services," Preiato wrote. "Based upon my inspection I determine that the service bar is being used as a general public "bar", a use not approved for the structure," he said, adding that the business is in violation of two sections of the Town of East Hampton Zoning Code having not been approved under site plan review or on a building permit.

The retail shop also has no required approvals. The shed it is in has been altered and has not been inspected, Preiato said.

In a statement on Tuesday, Jones countered that the uses are permitted under the town code. "Ancillary services to resort guests are an important component of the guest experience that is recognized by the town code and has provided an economic benefit to the town for decades that has contributed to the success of this important sector of the local economy," he said.

"In situations like this, where property owners do not agree with the determination of the building department, mechanisms are provided in the Town Code to resolve such situations -- namely the ZBA -- and we will be reviewing these options in conjunction with experts in this matter," Jones said.