Selectmen Approve Updated Alcohol Regulations

NEEDHAM, MA — Changes to the town’s regulations for alcohol sales were recently approved by the board of selectmen.

Discussed at a recent meeting, the regulations no longer require patrons to order food to have an alcoholic drink. The allowed ratio of alcohol sales to food sales was also increased to allow restaurants the ability to make more in alcohol sales.

Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick added that bars can now have more seats and training is strengthened, requiring managers and assistant managers go to in-person training and the staff must receive appropriate training as well.

The updated regulations were partially done to allow for pub-style establishments in town, which have proven to be popular in Newton, according to Selectman John Bulian.

“I think that’s the type of establishments that are attracting more people and families. I go to pubs for the food, not the alcohol. I’m looking forward to the pub-style food that hopefully these changes will bring to Needham,” he said.

The changes came following a discussion with license holders in June.

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