Sharon Considering Phasing In All-Alcohol Off-Premises Licenses

A request to allow all-alcohol off-premises licenses in Sharon, starting with Route 1, Shaw's Plaza and Sharon Commons, will reach voters at the May 7 annual town meeting, selectmen said Tuesday night.

One Post Office Square business owner says the plan would hurt his business because businesses in those three areas in Sharon would benefit while he could not seek a license, although he wants one.

"Basically, what I'm looking for is the opportunity for a level playing field in terms of competition," said owner Jonathan Hall, who purchased his shop, the former Sharon Express, last year.

"I know from having spoken to numerous customers who purchased beer and wine at my store over the past five months, they always ask, 'Wouldn't it be great, or could you get, full liquor? It would be perfect. It's what we need.'

"I think it would be detrimental to my business to have in very close proximity a full package license."

Selectman William Heitin said selectmen will take the matter under advisement.

The proposal calls for phasing in the licenses throughout town, much like Sharon did with beer and wine licenses, he said.

Selectmen have discussed the plan with some of the property owners, toward helping them be competitive with businesses in neighboring communities, Heitin said.

Sharon qualifies for four all-alcohol off-premises licenses, he said.

The proposal is one of two related to alcohol licenses, Heitin said.

A townwide plan would allow restaurants with 18 or more seats to apply for all-alcohol on premises licenses, he said.

The current seating minimum is 50, he said.