Selectmen Exploring Possibility Of Pubs In Needham

NEEDHAM, MA — The selectmen are now mulling over the possibility of changing local alcohol regulations to allow pubs in Needham.

At last week’s selectmen meeting, Chairman Matthew Borrelli told the board he noticed an interest in bringing a pub establishment to town following a downtown visioning meeting, but currently town regulations make it prohibitive for such a place to open.

“I think it would be a great amenity for Needham to have a pub-like restaurant and relax some of these restrictions. I don’t think any of us want a bar,” Borrelli said.

With town requiring alcohol says for a restaurant to remain no higher than 25 percent of total revenue, Selectman John Bulian said the town needs to look at that number as part of their review.

“I want to balance the need and desire. I think a pub that’s nice and cute could be a plus for the town but there’s a balance,” Bulian said, calling for a slow approach in their study.

Other board members were receptive to the idea of looking at possibly changing the regulations to allow for pubs.

“It may be as simple as lowering the requirement of alcohol sales as a percentage of revenue that would make it possible. For me the characteristic of a pub is that it’s not a bar but it has a significant food service,” selectman Maurice P. Handel said.

The board is expected to continue talks at future meetings.

Image: File Photo