Selectmen Approve New Liquor License Regulations

Requested changes to the Town of Sudbury's liquor license laws were supported by the Board of Selectmen during their Oct. 22 meeting, albeit with some controversy.

During a presentation of the requested changes by Police Chief Scott Nix, which was live streamed by SudburyTV, Selectman Bob Haarde questioned whether an extension of the liquor license hours made the town safer.

Nix proposed keeping the hours consistent for all establishments, allowing service Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday from noon to midnight. The change would allow easier enforcement for his officers, he said.

"Do you think these changes are making it easier for someone to get intoxicated?" Haarde asked Nix.

"I would say harder because it’s establishing parameters," Nix said. 

"I hope you are right," Haarde responded.

Chairman John Drobinski quickly cut off the conversation, saying the chief was not under cross examination.

"I think that was out of line," Drobinski said.

"I've had enough of these changes," Haarde responded.

Nix said the new laws would be introduced to local establishments when their licenses were up for renewal.

"They mail out the regulations and forms, and they would be required to acknowledge they received and read and understood the regulations," he said.

Other changes included extended look-back periods for repeat offenders and mandatory service of food during later hours of operation.

The Board voted 4-1 in favor of the changes.