Politics & Government

POLL: Another Public Hearing on Alcohol Issue?

Should selectmen give residents another chance to weigh in on a proposed lifting of the town's retail alcohol sales ban before the May 7 annual Town Meeting?

At their , Needham selectmen debated whether residents should get another chance to weigh in on the matter of allowing retail alcohol sales before the May 7 annual Town Meeting.

An article on the meeting warrant, if approved, would submit a home rule petition to the state legislature that would enable the town to issue up to eight all-alcohol or wine and beer store licenses. The matter then would return to voters for a town-wide referendum at an upcoming election.

Selectman Moe Handel said Tuesday that there would be many opportunities for public input before the referendum, including Planning Board hearings on zoning changes as that board considers where to allow wine and beer shops in town.

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But Selectman John Bulian said he felt the public should get another chance to consider the specific article language after only debating the overall issue .

So what do you think? Should selectmen hold another public hearing on the retail alcohol sales article before the May 7 vote? Take the poll below and add your comments at the bottom of the page.

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Got more to say? Letters to the Editor can be submitted to becca.manning@patch.com. Please limit to 500 words and include your full name and address in the e-mail.


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