The Little Compton Town Council is expected to hold a public hearing next Thursday and will likely vote on a proposed new zoning district that if ultimately approved would currently benefit just one business — Sakonnet Vineyard.

In May, Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard requested a Class B Victualing license — allowing the vineyard to serve other alcohol beside their own — but was denied as the vineyard is a legal non-conforming use in the residential zone in which it sits. It was the second time in two years that the winery was rejected on those grounds.

“In order for the council to entertain an application of this nature, the (zoning) ordinance would have to be amended in some fashion,” Anthony DeSisto said in early May.

The proposed Agricultural Overlay District that has since been drafted is specific to the plot of land that the vineyard inhabits, but was commissioned to encourage town-wide farming and agriculture by permitting farms that already provide food to visitors to also provide alcoholic beverages, as long as they have the proper licensing. Councilors said that if the zoning ordinance is amended to include the new overlay district, the vineyard could reapply for the liquor license with a higher likelihood of its request being approved. Other farms that qualify could also take advantage of the new district, town officials said.

The planning board was expected to discuss the proposed zoning amendment Tuesday night and will give its recommendation on whether it is consistent with the town’s comprehensive plan to the council.