HAMPTON -- Selectmen are still denying a trench permit request to install a required sprinkler system at Guido Murphy's and Dylan's even though the popular Hampton Beach nightclubs are under new ownership.

The board voted 3-2 to officially deny the request during Monday's meeting despite knowing that without a sprinkler system the clubs would not receive an occupancy permit from the Fire Department to remain open this summer.

The new owner of the clubs, Terry Daidone, asked the board to reconsider its decision since the board effectively denied the former owner's request at last week's meeting by not taking a vote.

At that meeting, the board didn't approve the trench permit because the street was just redone as part of the $12 million sewer infrastructure project.

They also said the owner, Dan Traficante, had known since 2005 that he would have to install a sprinkler system to remain open and should have done so when the road was being worked on.

The fact that the club is under new ownership didn't sway the board to change its mind Monday night.

"There is an old saying, buyer beware," said Selectman Bill Lally, who said he would not vote for it because the town has a policy that states no work can be done on a road paved for less than five years without the board's approval.

Lally said the work should have been done by the former owner two years ago.

Selectmen Ben Moore and Rick Griffin were the only selectmen to vote in favor of the trench permit request.

The board did change its position on another trench permit request by Northern Utilities to dig up Tuttle Avenue to replace five corroded gas pipes.