Selectmen Grant Beer and Wine License to Stoughton Ice Center

STOUGHTON, MA — Hockey players who are at least 21 years old will soon have the option of grabbing a cold one after a session on the ice.

Tuesday night, the selectmen voted 3-0 to grant a beer and wine license to the Stoughton Ice Center's snack bar. Chairman David Sousa and Robert O’Reagan were not present at the meeting.

Manager Christina Anastos told the board that the alcohol component of the 52-seat snack bar is aimed at a 3-on-3 adult league and lunchtime hockey players. Alcoholic beverages will not be allowed out of the cafe area or at the rinks.

“I’ll be the one serving it and we need to be strict about it. The snack bar is intended to be a separate area. You come in, eat, and go back out when you're done,” Anastos told the board.

Aside from beverages, Anastos said the cafe will serve soup, sandwiches, and snacks.

Some residents expressed concern about the presence of beer in the facility. Former Selectman Cynthia Walsh spoke against granting the license.

“As a former teacher I don’t like the introduction of alcohol,” she said. “It doesn't sound like a good mix. I don’t mind the concession stand...but I do have a problem with beer and wine.”

Perry Street resident Cindace Giovanni told the board she was worried about adults driving drunk with kids. Chris Hyde of French Street expressed similar concerns. Both also said traffic is an ongoing issue.

Anastos said the rink is opening up more parking in the back and has placed signs directing customers to park in the back rather than the street.

The board was largely receptive to the idea. Selectman Peter Brown said he has seen alcohol served at other rinks.

“My thoughts are your intentions are not to open a nightclub, but to offer a beverage at the rink,” Brown said. “People are not going to come here to sit and drink, that’s not your intention.”

The cafe will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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