Gov. OKs Liquor License for Shrewsbury's Whole Foods

SHREWSBURY, MA — For those of you who were worried; there will be liquor sold at the new Whole Foods in Shrewsbury.

Gov. Charlie Baker signed legislation this week that authorizes the town to issue an additional liquor license for alcohol to be sold on the premises of the future Whole Foods Markets at the Lakeway Commons Development (the former Spag's location).

An Act authorizing the Town of Shrewsbury to grant an additional liquor license was filed this past December after a town vote. The legislation, which is now Chapter 56 of the Acts of 2016 authorizes the sale of beer, wine and liquor for off-site consumption by Whole Foods Market.

The Market is slated to be a substantial part of the fully permitted, mixed use Lakeway Commons Development. The development project will generate significant and much needed commercial tax revenue for the town, while reviving a plaza that has been absent of retailers for years, said the announcement.

“With the Governor’s signature, the Town of Shrewsbury and the Lakeway Commons Development is one step closer to completion," said State Representative Hannah Kane, R-Shrewsbury, in a statement. The importance of this development project cannot be understated, as Lakeway Commons will revitalize an area of Shrewsbury that has been under-utilized for many years. I am pleased to have been able to work closely with the Town Officials, Representatives of Whole Foods Market, President of Grossman Development Group, Howard Grossman, Senator Moore and my colleagues in the legislature to ensure that this legislation made it to the Governor’s desk as quickly as possible.”

“We want to express our appreciation for this license and acknowledge the responsibilities it entails," Laura Derba, regional president, Whole Foods Market North Atlantic, in a statement.

With the Governor’s signature the legislation takes effect immediately.