SOUTHWICK – A new restaurant owner met with the Board of Selectmen last week to inquire about the town’s BYOB – Bring Your Own Bottle – policy. He said he hoped to be able to allow customers to BYOB at the deli.
“I’d like them to be able to have a beer with their corned beef sandwich, or a glass of wine,” he said.
Selectmen Chairman Russell Fox said the town currently has no BYOB policy and no establishments that offer BYOB. He also said he was not likely to be favorable on the subject when it came to a vote.
“My gut reaction is I probably wouldn’t be in favor of this,” said Fox. “We have taken a position months ago that the [alcohol] needs of the town are being served.”
Selectman Joseph Deedy agreed and said he would also not support a liquor license application for the deli.
“We’re not fans of adding to the liquor licenses,” said Deedy.
The selectmen also said the town is being sued by Ocean State Job Lot because the board denied its request for a liquor license last spring.
The deli owner said he hoped to “enhance business” with the BYOB option and at this time probably would not consider applying for a license to serve. He told the board his staff were “all well seasoned in serving alcohol” and he believed offering a BYOB option would help make the business a success.
Selectwoman Tracy Cesan was absent Monday and Fox and Deedy agreed they wanted the full board present in order to take a vote on the matter.
