After sidelining Gov. Deval Patrick’s proposal to make alcohol licensing a purely local responsibility, the House on Monday quietly approved license requests for two licenses in Southborough.
The House passed a pair of bills based on legislation proposed by Acton Sen. James Eldridge and Holliston Rep. Carolyn Dykema. One bill specifies a license for Panzano Market in Southborough and the other authorizes a license for Sperry’s Country Market Beer and Wine. Both businesses are located on Turnpike Road (Route 9).
In April, Gov. Deval Patrick proposed as part of his economic development bill a plan to place authority for granting liquor licenses in the hands of municipalities, which the governor said would “allow local communities to make responsible decisions regarding their economic development and growth.” Patrick is reviewing a redrafted version of the so-called jobs bill that does not contain that proposal.
