Selectmen Deny American Legion Liquor License Renewal

STOUGHTON, MA — A turbulent year for the Stoughton American Legion ended last week with the loss of their liquor license.

The selectmen voted last week to not renew the establishment’s license to serve alcohol for 2018. The decision comes following multiple violations and a major incident that led to the arrest of six people. The group's amusement and common victualler licenses were renewed.

Barry Crimmins, who represented the American Legion, asked the board to allow for approval and wait for a decision in an ABCC case to be released before revoking the license. He added that there was an outstanding violation hearing that the board could hold if they were not satisfied with the ABCC's ruling.

The past board voted on Nov. 21 to continue the hearing into the new year for a status report, but the new board was hesitant to renew the license.

“There have been at least five violations just in the past 14 years at this establishment, not to mention multiple police and fire safety responses. Frankly, this establishment has skirted their responsibility to the community for the past few years. They have ignored the rulings from this board over the past few years and I don’t believe they are a good neighbor for the area,” Selectman Michael Sullivan said.

Police Chief Donna McNamara recommended not renewing based on past incidents.

The establishment was hit with a liquor suspension over the summer following a license violation. That was followed by the arrest of six people in connection with a significant drug and gaming operation that allegedly operated out of the building. During the Aug. 21 raid, officers found an illegal video gaming machine in the kitchen and a white substance on the counter.

Those individuals are no longer associated with the American Legion, Crimmins said. A new group of officers consisting of Stoughton residents and former residents are now running the Legion.

Speaking in support of renewal American Legion member Mary Trombley said many didn’t know what was going on.

“We’re not there 24/7. If I had witnessed any of these events, I would have stepped up and tried to stop it,” Trombley said.

In the ABCC hearing, American Legion's charges include failing to file annual reports with the secretary of the commonwealth, corporate division; failing to disclose everyone who have a direct or indirect beneficial or financial interest in the license; permitting gambling; and allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages other than those purchased under from a holder of a permit. A decision is expected by Jan. 12.

The establishment is welcomed to reapply for their license at any time, board members said.

“We would be eager if and when your group feels you are ready for an application to come back and restore your license. I trust if you work with the police chief and fire chief and everyone else in town, they'd share the sentiment,” Selectmen Chairman Bob O’Reagan said. “None are us are happy about this vote.”

Image: File Photo