Laserfiche WebLink
4 <br /> Board of Selectmen <br /> Minutes <br /> November 2, 2020 <br /> APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS <br /> Public Hearing: (Continued from August 24, 2020): <br /> Adoption of a Local Licensing Regulation per G.L. c. 138 §23 and Board of Selectmen Policy#068, Alcoholic <br /> Beverages Licenses (Section III—Package Store All Alcohol) Banning the Sale of Alcohol Nips (50 mil) (50 <br /> milliliter(ml) container) and, Further Banning the Sale of Alcohol Nips in Containers of up to 100 ml in size <br /> as a Condition of any New Renewed and/or Transferred License for Establishments Licensed Pursuant to G.L. <br /> c 138 &15 Based on Considerations of Public Health, Welfare and Safety: (continued) <br /> The Board opened the Hearing to solicit comment. <br /> Dena M. Rymsha, Liberty Liquors indicated she has been a responsible business leader for the past 25 years in <br /> the Mashpee community. With today's economic climate and due to the pandemic this is the worst time to <br /> institute a ban. Ms. Rymsha noted that at the last meeting the Select Board decided to defer their decision for <br /> two months conditioning the proposal that a plan be developed for littering in the midst of a global pandemic. <br /> Ms. Rymsha recommended not focusing on one issue, but working together as a team and as a community to <br /> get to the root of the problem. As an industry the liquor licensed establishments have contacted wholesalers <br /> and others to support the clean-up of the town. Ms. Rymsha stated the businesses are trying to work together <br /> while struggling to keep their heads above water during this time. Ms. Rymsha suggested the Board give <br /> businesses time and grant the residents a voice in this Democratic process. It was recommended the matter be <br /> deferred to the spring town meeting to let the voters decide the outcome. <br /> Ryan Kelleher a salesman of a large beer and wine wholesaler stated the proposal to ban alcohol nips does not <br /> make sense during hard times and local business decline. Retailers are expected to have substantially reduced <br /> revenues that may require a decrease in staff hours with possible layoffs. Mr. Kelleher agreed that litter is a <br /> problem which needs to be solved in the Town of Mashpee. It was recommended that more recycling bins be <br /> placed in high traffic areas. Mr. Kelleher also conveyed the timeframe of two months to develop a reasonable <br /> proposal is not realistic especially when over 500 Mashpee residents have voiced objection to the proposal. <br /> Mr. Kelleher supported the recommendation of Ms. Rymsha to open this matter to the residents to let the <br /> people of Mashpee determine the outcome. <br /> Pete Proveneher indicated he believes in self-reliance and the freedom of choice. His primary concern in the <br /> safety problem effecting the residents as alcoholic nips encourage drinking on the go which results in driving <br /> under the influence and throwing containers out the window after consumption. Mr. Proveneher recommended <br /> the Board eliminate what is causing the problem, alcohol nips. An additional area of concern is litter. As a <br /> citizen Mr. Proveneher noted that he regularly collects litter from the roadways. Alcohol nips are a main <br /> source of litter that is tossed out of vehicles with drivers possibly impaired. Many residents are trying to get <br /> outdoors during this time of the pandemic and he is concerned with the safety of others. <br />