Foxborough Approves Hops And Grapes Selling Liquor

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Hops and Grapes can now add liquor to its shelves, following the selectmen's approval on Tuesday night. The beer and wine store, located at Foxborough Plaza on Route 140, has spent the last two years trying to add liquor to its store. But the town first needed the state legislature to give Foxborough an additional liquor license, a request which required a vote at annual town meeting.

In May 2018, town meeting voters approved asking the legislature for the additional license, and Bill H. 4768 was introduced to the legislature in July 2018. The bill passed the house and senate last December and was signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker on Dec. 20.

Jeff Lovey, an attorney representing Hops and Grapes, told the selectmen Foxborough already loses a lot of liquor business down Route 140 to Mansfield, and said people seem to want liquor at the store. One neighbor to the store agreed.

"He does a good job," neighbor Gary Nash said about store owner Ashish Raval. "I’ve known him for many, many years, and I support him."

All of the selectmen agreed, unanimously approving Hops and Grapes' liquor license. Hops and Grapes is allowed to sell all alcohol on the premises, but they may not serve drinks or allow people to drink at the store. The license cost the store a one-time fee of $5,000 as well as an annual fee.