Popping the cork in Weston

(Kimberly Sherman for The Boston Globe)

By Casey Ramsdell, Globe Correspondent

For some in Weston, it’s time to pop the cork and celebrate. Wine is being sold in the supermarket today, the first sale of alcoholic beverages in the town since it went dry in 1838.

Residents voted 1,180 to 580 at the annual election in May to allow wine sales, and Omni Foods Supermarket was granted its liquor license in August, said Donna S. VanderClock, the town manager.

Although the town is no longer dry, only wine can be sold legally; beer and hard liquor are still banned, said VanderClock.

Omni Foods Supermarket began pushing to get the issue on the town ballot about a year and half ago, said Dick Lennon, store manager.

“A lot of customers were commenting that they wanted to buy wine in Weston,” said Lennon.

The proposal faced an initial vote and went to the Legislature for approval. It was submitted for a final vote at the May election in the wealthy suburb.

Lennon said that the supermarket only petitioned for the ability to sell wine because wine and food are consumed together. He said the addition to the supermarket shelves is a positive one.

“It’s good for the town because it keeps local customers in Weston,” said Lennon.

“It will attract more grocery business to the store and it’s important to support local merchants,” said Steve L. Charlip, a selectman. "I think it's wonderful for the town."

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