SOUTHWICK – A new state law allowing package stores to open at 10 a.m. on Sundays goes into effect Oct. 23.
In Southwick, the Board of Selectmen and Administrative Assistant Sondra Pendleton, who handles liquor licenses, are preparing for the early opening.
“The state has passed allowing them to open at 10 a.m. Sunday, rather than 12 p.m.,” said Board Chairman Russell Fox. “This doesn’t require our consent, just notification.”
Pendleton said all package store owners must be notified with a letter and a packet of information. There are six stores in town. Store owners must fill out a form and bring it back to the board for a hearing.
“There is also information in there about the six types of identification,” said Pendleton.
The board agreed that having the store owners come before them is a good idea in general to give a refresher on laws. Pendleton said she wanted to give package store owners a brief window to bring in the paperwork.
“I’d like to give them a short amount of time to let me know because we have to have a hearing,” she said.
Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart asked if they had to notify abutters through the newspaper or if it was a simple hearing on the agenda similar to a change in management. Pendleton said only a hearing was necessary.
“I want us to emphasize they are not allowed to open at 10 a.m. until they [bring in this form],” said Fox. “And, it doesn’t go into effect until Oct. 23.”
Pendleton said she hopes the process takes some time and can go into effect for Jan. 1.
The restriction on the sales is a remnant of the state’s so-called blue laws. Named for the color of the paper they were printed on in the 1600s, the blue laws used to mandate the closure of most retail stores on Sundays.
