State Upholds Selectmen Decision, Denies Meat House Liquor License

The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission has decided to uphold the Board of Selectmen's decision not to grant the Meat House a liquor license.

The board held a hearing on the matter after selectmen denied the license on June 22.

During the hearing, the town argued there was no need for liquor license because there are already two liquor stores in "close proximity" to the business. Counsel for the Meat House argued the liquor stores were a necessity because the business "would provide alcohol as a supplement to his 'upscale' types of foods ... The applicant maintained the Meat House is an upscale butcher shop selling gourmet types of meats and other foods."

According to the state's decision, "the most convincing argument set forth by the town was the one of public need. There are already two existing liquor stores nearby ... and seven in the town ... which the town believes fulfills the public need."

The state's decision said it agreed with the town based solely on the issue of public need and dismissed other claims, such as the applicant's experience, as meritless.

The Meat House has 30 days to appeal the decision.

Check out the PDF for the full text of the state's decision.