FARMINGTON — For the first time in more than 15 years, Franklin County Commissioners approved a liquor license for an establishment to serve alcohol in the unorganized territory.

At their meeting Tuesday, commissioners unanimously approved the application to serve beer, wine and spirits by Tea Pond Lodge and Cabins in Jim Pond Township, which is north of Eustis on Route 27.

The commissioners have granted off-site liquor licenses to convenience stores in the unorganized territory in recent years, but it has been at least 15 years since the commissioners have been approached by an establishment to serve alcohol, County Clerk Julie Magoon said Wednesday.

Generally, municipal boards are the local governing bodies to approve such types of on-premises liquor licenses, because establishments such as bars, restaurants and hotels are more likely to open in a town or city.

“We don’t have a lot of restaurants and bars or lounges in the unorganized territory because of population,” Magoon said.

A county fee of $10 is associated with the liquor license, plus additional fees that are paid to the state.

Commissioners considered holding a public hearing on approving the liquor license, but instead they were content in hearing that there are no neighbors within 5 miles of the establishment, Magoon said.

The commissioners requested that Tea Pond Lodge and Cabins provide proof that there are no neighboring homes within 2 miles of their establishment.

Tea Pond Lodge and Cabins is a lodging camp made up of six log cabins and is open year-round.

Lauren Abbate — 861-9252

labbate@centralmaine.com

Twitter: @Lauren_M_Abbate