In the first substantive action of the night, Article 12 was presented to the town to allow local establishments currently holding wine and malt licenses to trade them in for full alcoholic beverage licenses. Town Counsel Robert Galvin explained that this measure follows a new state law designed to assist struggling restaurants by allowing them to expand their offerings without being restricted by the town’s standard liquor license quota. The licenses granted under this provision are non-transferable.

Advisory Board member Chris Roland spoke in support of the measure, calling it very pro-business and a positive thing for Marshfield. During the discussion, resident Steven Longan asked how many businesses would be affected. Town Counsel noted that while the exact number is small, specific businesses like Don Bravo had previously sought such licenses but were unable to obtain them due to existing limits.

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