Stoughton American Legion To Face ABCC Hearing

STOUGHTON, MA — The selectmen will wait and see what action the Alcoholic Beverage Control takes towards the American Legion before holding their own hearing.

At the request of Barry Crimmins, an attorney for the American Legion, the board voted 3-0 to table the hearing until after the establishment's Dec. 12 hearing in front of the ABCC. A status hearing is expected in January. Chairman David Sousa and Selectman Michael Sullivan were not at the meeting due to illness.

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.

The establishment was to face similar charges in a separate hearing to be held by the selectmen. But due to the fact that the ABCC hearing can be appealed by the board and a decision made by the board can be appealed to the ABCC, Crimmins recommended continuing the hearing to a future date.

The American Legion has faced several legal problems this year. In June, the board voted to suspend their liquor license for seven days with five to serve after determining that a violation occurred in April when a person was served past 1 a.m.

In August, six people were arrested in connection with a significant drug and gaming operation that was allegedly ran 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.

In 2007, they were hit with a gaming violation.

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