Voters to decide whether town will open door to liquor stores

Arlington Town Meeting last Wednesday decided to ask voters whether they want to allow liquor stores in town and increase the number of all-alcohol licenses for restaurants from five to 10 -- the first of several steps needed for the changes.

Both proposals must be approved by the state Legislature before going on the ballot box. Officials said the measures could be up for a vote by next year.

Under one proposal, selectmen could issue up to three liquor store permits, at $2,000 each.

Town Meeting members opposed to the proposal said the liquor stores would bring little benefit, but plenty of added costs, such as additional police work and more teenage drinkers.

Supporters said the sale of packaged alcohol in town would not lead to more problem drinking, and some said they would prefer to buy beer and wine in Arlington instead of at liquor stores in neighboring Cambridge, Lexington, or Medford.

Similar debates have been heard in other New England communities of late. Last year, the state decided to repeal a law that banned liquor sales on Sunday. It was instituted back when Sundays were set aside for worship and family. Locally, Belmont and Lexington have begun deliberating changes in their liquor laws, too.

Now that Town Meeting has agreed to send the question to voters, the Board of Selectmen, as the town's alcohol licensing board, will begin drafting guidelines for liquor stores so it can place a specific proposal on the ballot.

On Wednesday, Selectman Kevin Greeley said the board had not drafted liquor store regulations earlier, because it wanted to see what Town Meeting decided. There's a chance the liquor store proposal may be divided into two ballot questions, Greeley said. One would allow stores that sell beer and wine only, such as a gourmet shop; the second would sell all kinds of alcohol.

During Town Meeting last week, A. Michael Ruderman said he could not support the liquor store article because the guidelines that would define how the stores will operate have not been established.

"What will be the hours of operation? Can wine tastings occur? What is the definition of a 'nice' store?" he asked, in reference to arguments that the town ought to allow only "nice" stores that sell fine wines and pricey beer.

Laurence McKinney said he wouldn't support the article because Arlington is a safe community and selling alcohol at stores could change that, because alcohol is "recreational drug use."

"Why bring recreational drug use in for $6,000 a year?" he asked.

But Daniel Dunn argued the matter ought to be decided by the voters.

"Let the town vote," he urged.

In a 109-to-63 vote, Town Meeting did just that.

Town Meeting also decided to ask voters if they want to add five more all-alcohol licenses to restaurants with 99 seats or more. Four of the town's current all-alcohol licenses have been issued to restaurants.

Selectwoman Diane Mahon said the board has no plans to issue all 10 licenses, but wants to have them available if potential businesses come calling.

"This [article] doesn't mean we want to give out all the licenses. It just sends a positive message to businesses," she said.

Greeley said there could be a large restaurant included in plans for the re-use of the former Symmes Hospital site. Developers are hoping to bring housing and businesses to the sprawling Arlington campus.

William Ford said putting both questions on the same ballot might confuse voters, but Town Meeting opted to put both sets of proposals before voters, probably at next year's town election.

For longtime Town Meeting members, such proposals are familiar.

In 1977, Town Meeting decided to ask voters to allow restaurants and function halls, with 99 seats or more, to serve all types of alcohol. At a 1978 election, voters said yes, in a 4,093 to 3,874 vote.

In 1993, Town Meeting agreed to ask voters for permission to allow restaurants with 19 or more seats to serve beer and wine to patrons. In 1994, voters approved that measure, 5,640 to 2,390.

Greeley said both changes have brought significant economic development to the community. There are at least 23 restaurants that serve beer and wine, along with meals.

"Arlington is now known for its restaurants," he said.

Without the ability to serve alcohol, he said, that never would have happened.

Christine McConville's e-mail is cmcconville@globe.com.