Babylon Town axes concession contract with Beach Hut

Babylon Town has joined Suffolk County in axing Beach Hut as its concessionaire at town beaches and parks following the company’s guilty plea to withholding sales taxes and fees to the county and town.

Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer said he sent a letter canceling the contract Thursday over its illegal activity. The town will send new requests for proposals later this week so Babylon will have replacement concessions in place by May, Schaffer said. Beach Hut had concessions at Venetian Shores, Tanner Park, Overlook and Cedar beaches

The town, Schaffer said, will seek proposals for a five-year contract that includes the possibility of several extensions along with a new requirement for enhanced security provisions.

Beach Hut and its president, Fred Marsillio, last month agreed to pay $1.14 million in state and county sales tax, interest and penalties as well as $66,000 in fees that were supposed to go the town.