Marshfield residents voted to tighten the town’s alcohol bylaws to prevent the commercialization of public parks and beaches. Article 36, a citizen petition by Diane Jordan, was amended and passed to ensure that one-day liquor licenses for town property are only issued to nonprofits for fundraisers or community events. The change effectively bars for-profit caterers or commercial entities from obtaining liquor licenses for private parties on town-owned land.

Jordan argued the change was necessary because the current bylaw contained illegal language that could allow private catering companies to hold for-profit events on public beaches. I am trying to first of all make our alcohol beverages bylaw legal in the way that the select board was intending to do it, Jordan explained. Despite some concerns that the Select Board already has the power to say no to such requests, the majority of voters supported codifying the restriction to protect public access to Marshfield’s natural resources.

Motion: Diane Jordan moves article 36 as amended to strike "select board approved 12C licensed caterers" and to restrict licenses to nonprofits and community fellowship events.

Vote: Passed by Majority