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NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. — The Board of Selectmen adopted a policy on Monday to regulate local establishments that allow patrons to bring their own wine and malt beverages onto the premises.
This policy is a first for the town, which previously did not regulate businesses that allowed BYOB. At a previous meeting, Town Administrator John Coderre said the practice was rare. However, the town has given out all of its allotted beer, wine and liquor licenses and only has two available beer and wine licenses, raising the possibility that BYOB might become more attractive.
The new policy requires establishments to obtain a Carry-In Wine and Malt permit, which the town reserves the right to revoke if its conditions are not met. These condition include the following:
- Only wine and malt beverages will be allowed.
- Selectmen will set the hours during which such beverages may be consumed.
- Only establishments with TIPS-certified wait staff and table service may obtain a permit.
- All beverages must be consumed in glasses provided by the establishment.
- Patrons may leave the establishment with no more than one bottle of wine that has not been totally consumed, as long as it is properly sealed and bagged.
- Intoxicated patrons may not consume carry-in beverages. Establishments must report to the police any situation in which an intoxicated patron presents a danger to themselves or others.
- Establishments may not charge patrons for consuming carry-in beverages.
Police Chief Mark Leahy told selectmen that he approved of the policy, "recognizing that this is not something that's been a problem in our community." He said that he had consulted with the Westborough Police Chief, who reported that they have had no trouble with a similar policy.
Selectman Jeff Amberson also approved. "I havent heard any negative viewpoints," he said.
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