License Commission (L-R) Office Manager Kimberly Sienkiewicz, Edward Diaz, Chair Christopher Mowatt and Alice Dawicki. (AMY PORTER/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
WESTFIELD – In two public hearings at the March 9 License Commission meeting, two “worthy” applicants sought one seasonal all alcoholic Section 15 package store license.
Owners of both One Stop Convenience at 1056 North Road, which currently sells beer and wine, and Quick Food on 358 Southwick Road, which has never served alcohol, sought the single license. Commissioners tabled both applications to seek advice from the Law Department.
Nirav Patel of One Stop Convenience said he opened the business a year ago. He said he currently sells beer and wine and is looking to increase his revenue. “Nothing around has a liquor license. It would be good for the area,” Patel said.
Kimberly Sienkiewicz, office manager for the Commission, said the application was in order. She said the seasonal license runs from April 1 to Jan. 15, after which all alcohol must be sold back to the distributor.
In response to questions, Patel said all his employees are TIPS certified, and he is looking to get an ID checker as well. He said no other changes for the store are planned, apart from adding an aisle for the new product.
Opening the hearing for public participation, no residents spoke in favor or against the proposal. After closing the hearing, License Commission chair Christopher Mowatt made a motion to table the application until they heard the second request.
Quick Food on Southwick Road was represented by Attorney Brad Shimel, store manager Ilaben S. Patel and Dhruval Amin, a relative and director of the corporation.
Shimel described Quick Food as a family business, started by Amin’s father in 2011. “It’s very important for them to succeed as a family,” he said, adding that they are seeking to add to the store’s income.
Shimel also described the store as being integrated in the community, giving the example of a snowstorm a few years back, during which they remained open and permitted customers to buy on credit.
When asked how they would control sales to minors, Amin said although they had no experience with alcohol sales, they have studied acceptable ID’s, plan to card everyone and will look into getting an ID scanner.
Quick Food is also open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., but the alcohol sales will be at a dedicated register, which will only be open during permitted times, Amin said.
The principles said they are looking to add alcohol, due to changes in regulations including the upcoming ban on menthols, which have impacted revenues.
After opening the hearing to public participation, half a dozen or more residents came forward to speak in favor of the license.
Next door neighbor Larry Rising said he and his wife met the owners when they opened in 2011. “Nice family, the way they run the store is impressive. I’ve seen them there when they kept the store open during a storm. With the cigarettes (vapes) and such, I’d like to see them stay in business,” Rising said..
Allan Bilodeau of Blandford said he stops at the store every morning on his way to work in Southwick. “You couldn’t ask for a nicer family, more family oriented, polite. Just walk in his store to know this family takes pride in the business. It’s a great way to start my day. I have no doubt they would do all the right things if they were allowed to expand the business,” Bilodeau said
Also speaking on their behalf was their landlord, who said in the past 11 years, they had never given him any trouble.
After no one came forward to speak against the license, Mowatt closed the hearing and deliberation on the license began.
“It certainly is nice to see the community behind one of our businesses. It’s something that’s always welcome. I would however like to get a little more information,” said Commissioner Edward Diaz.
“The support is overwhelming. I do lean towards Quick Food, I like the idea of spreading the wealth,” said Commission member Alice Dawicki, who agreed they should study the applications more
“Clearly, in the time I’ve been here, I never had this situation come up where there’s only one license available for two worthy folks. I’m with both of you, I would like to get legal counsel,” said Mowatt, while apologizing to the store owners for putting off the decision
Dawicki expressed concern that their next scheduled meeting in April would bring them past the opening date for the seasonal license.
Sienkiewicz said the commission members could each talk to Counsel and schedule a special meeting. She said whichever application they approve would still have to go to Boston, which takes six to eight weeks. The special meeting has been scheduled for March 23.
Mowatt asked both store owners to take into consideration, that whatever decision is made, both applications are worthy of it. “We’ll do our best to come to a decision,” he said.
