Selectmen approve local liquor sales on Sundays
Published on December 31st, 2003
STONEHAM, MA - The Stoneham Board of Selectmen -- in a move that snaps in step with the rest of the Commonwealth -- voted unanimously to approve permits for liquor sales on Sundays at four local package stores.
McDonough's Liquors, Rapid Liquors, Redstone Liquors and Savas Brothers Liquors were all in attendance during the meeting, and affirmed their support for the measure.
"I believe in providing a fair shake for everybody," said Selectman Charlie Smith. "These guys were losing their shirts to the liquor stores on North Reading, and I really think this was something we needed to do."
Town Counsel William Solomon was unsure of the year-in, year-out procedure of the permit, and whether or not the Sunday sales should be lumped in with the rest of the permit. Solomon also recommended a permit fee that would "simply cover the administrative costs."
He did indicate that it may transfer over to one simple annual permit for seven-day liquor sales for local package stores.
The Selectmen were quick to note that this statute didn't force each business to open on Sundays, but that the nature of competition would probably force them to open their shutters.
Selectman Cosmo Ciccarello also confirmed with Solomon that any Town Meeting vote to overturn the Sunday sales would also bar liquor sales at restaurants on Sunday.
"That's the way the law reads to me," said Solomon.
"Basically if Town Meeting voted this down, Stoneham would be a dry town on Sundays," added Smith.
McDonough's Liquors owner Jane Cahill addressed the Selectmen and represented each of the stores in speaking favorably on the Sunday openings.
"All of the stores are in favor of the Sunday openings," said Cahill.
The only other comment from the local merchants was praise for the work done by Solomon in helping ease the transition to Sunday openings.
"Counsel worked very diligently on this and was involved in a conference call with the ABCC," said Rapid Liquors owner Paul Shine. "The one thing I would like to say is that he was singular in his professionalism."
Selectmen Bob Sweeney wanted it noted that nobody spoke in opposition to the Sunday permits, and then Ciccarello moved for approval. The Selectmen voted 5-0 to approve Sunday openings effective this January 1.
TS Cafe Approval
The Selectmen unanimously approved a victuallers' license for TS Cafe, formerly known as Salads Etc. at 319 Main Street. Much of the conversation didn't center around TS Cafe, but instead centered on Zooks Restaurant which, according to the Selectmen, never came before the board for a new victuallers' license.
"I believe they didn't have to because technically they haven't changed ownership," said Selectmen Clerk Muriel Doherty.
"They're a completely different restaurant now, and I think they should have to come before us if they have a different menu and an entirely different presentation than Bickford's have," said Sweeney.
Sweeney also indicated that he believes their victuallers' license may have expired.
Rotondi to ZBA
Stoneham Police safety officer Larry Rotondi was appointed as a full member of the Zoning Board of Appeals to replace Jack Biggio -- who announced he is stepping down in recent weeks.
Rotondi was an associate member of the Board, and will fill the vacancy until the April election. The position will then be open to candidates to run for the full term.
Board of Selectmen Chairman Mary Pecoraro voiced some trepidation over possible conflict between Rotondi's duties as safety officer and Zoning Board member, but eventually acquiesced to Rotondi's placement on the Board.
"I could see the potential for conflicts, but I believe in the integrity of many of the people like Rotondi serving on boards," said Smith. "I think he'll vote his conscience."
"When you have a small town where people have all grown up together, you'll see the potential for conflicts, but you just have to allow those people to do the right thing," said Sweeney, who voted against Rotondi's appointment to the Board after Smith called for a roll-call vote. "He has removed from possible conflicts before, and I'm sure he'll do it again."
Water and Sewer Rate
The Selectmen also unanimously voted to place an article at Town Meeting that would $350,000 from the stabilization fund to the Water and Sewer Account to offset rising costs from MWRA (Mass Water Resource Authority).
"Citizens have brought to our attention that this money paid by the townspeople was originally moved from a Water and Sewer surplus account, so it seemed appropriate to move the funds back into the water and sewer fund," said Selectmen Anthony Kennedy. "That seemed very reasonable."
The Selectmen noted that it will take a 2/3 vote at May Town Meeting to move the funds.
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