Wegmans pushes to serve alcohol in Northborough
Courtesy
The first Wegmans Supermarket in Massachusetts, at Northborough Crossing.
Wegmans is pushing for a change in state law so it can serve alcohol at its Northborough Crossing store.
Rep. Harold Naughton, D-Clinton, sponsored legislation last week that would allow the Rochester, N.Y.-based supermarket chain to both sell and serve alcohol at a single location, which is currently barred by the commonwealth. The wine, beer and spirits would be served in Wegmans’ 300-seat café, which is physically segregated from the rest of the 145,000-square-foot store.
Northborough’s selectmen agreed unanimously Monday to send a letter to Beacon Hill backing Naughton’s proposal.
“Wegmans has clearly articulated how a pouring license fits into their store’s unique business model and the town is generally supportive of their approach,” wrote Leslie Rutan, board chair.
Wegmans initially approached the town in October 2012 about making the café BYOB, but the town felt that issuing a pouring license would make for a more controlled environment, according to the letter. Wegmans is able to serve alcohol in other states where they have stores, which includes New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia.
Naughton’s bill is before the legislature’s Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, which held a hearing on it Tuesday.
The Northborough store was opened in October 2011 and remains Wegmans’ only Massachusetts location, though the company is slated to open supermarkets in Chestnut Hill and Burlington later this year.
WBJ Web Partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments