Barrington Liquor Store Openings Won't Drown Neighboring Competition

Liquor stores will soon dot the business landscape in Barrington, a community historically considered a "dry" town. After council members passed an ordinance to allow the purchase of alcohol last year, entrepreneurs are now working to capitalize. At least one store is anticipated to be open by the New Year - a logical move as Barrington residents have to travel to adjacent towns such as East Providence, Warren and Seekonk to get their booze.

But the news of neighboring competition isn't rattling East Bay residents who make their bread and butter off liquor.

Barrington resident Jim Bartel said businesses won't see a dip in sales. A wine seller at East Providence's McGreen's Wine & Spirits, he said the business is well established and an affordable place to find liquor cabinet fixings.

"Everyone thinks that Barrington is a wealthy community but people there are acutely aware of the resale value," Bartel said.

He also said the liquor business is extremely hard to break into; the challenge lies in being able to buy enough bulk to lower prices for consumers.

Barrington resident Rachel Lally is ones of the loyal ones. She doesn't anticipate going anywhere else but McGreen's to buy her alcohol - even if new a Barrington business is a shorter car ride away.

"My heart is here," she said, while perusing the isles. 

In Warren, Patriot Liquor Store Manager Brian Mancieri admits he is not sure what to expect with the planned opening of liquor stores in Barrington.

"A lot of our business comes from the south and east sides of Barrington," he said. "We're not sure how it will influence us because we're not sure what kind of stores they will be and what they will and will not carry. Obviously, we're going to wait and see and hope for the best."

- With with reports from Sara Bagwell.