In a move to support local businesses, Article 12 passed by a majority vote, allowing restaurants currently holding wine and malt beverage licenses to trade them in for full alcoholic beverage licenses. Town Counsel Robert Galvin explained that the state legislature recently passed a law allowing towns to convert these licenses without regard to the standard quota, aiming to assist businesses that have been struggling. The licenses granted through this process are non-transferable.

During the discussion, resident Steven Longan asked how many businesses would be affected. Galvin noted that while the exact number was unknown, establishments like Don Bravo downtown had expressed interest in a full liquor license but were previously unable to obtain one due to the quota limits. The Advisory Board recommended the article unanimously, describing it as a pro-business measure for Marshfield.

Motion: The select board moves that the town vote to accept the provisions of Mass General Law Chapter 138 section 12D allowing a lency authorized to sell only wines and malt beverages for on-premise consumption to trade in said license for a license to sell all alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption.

Vote: Passed by Majority