Members of the Norwood Beverage Dealers Association were on hand Tuesday night at the public hearing of Anthony Mickunas protesting the druggist’s application of a Class 1 all alcoholic license for the Balch Pharmacy.
The license which Mickunas applied for is classed under section 30-A of the Massachusetts Alcoholic License Laws wherein all druggists may apply for such under certain specifications. This type of license has been in the laws for many years and it stipulates that druggists may be licensed to carry all alcoholic beverages in a four by four foot section in the rear of the store and they may not advertise or display such alcoholic beverages. It also stipulates that every purchase must be recorded in a liquor record book which Is open to inspection by authorities.
However, Domenic Bonica, spokesman for the beverage association, related that a license such as this was a farce as It merely is a foothold for another package store in town. He said that licenses such as these cut Into the regular liquor dealers’ trade who make their living solely from this type of sale. He felt that a true method as far as a druggists’ alcoholic license goes would be for them to be able to sell it only upon prescription.
Bonica further stated that there wore enough of these licenses in town already and at a meeting of the association, moist members pro» t sted this type of license and signed a petition.
It was brought out that every druggist in the State could be Issued a license such as this upon authorization from the local licensing board.
After further debate, the selectmen told the group that they would consider the matter and would notify both the beverage association and Mickunas as to their decision.
Upon the close of the open session of the selectmen’s meeting, Butters motioned that the license 3-3 vote. Chairman of the board, Daniel Callahan Jr. and Frank Swift were opposed to the motion. It now goes to the State ABC for final approval.
(All articles originally published in the Norwood MessengThe license which Mickunas applied for is classed under section 30-A of the Massachusetts Alcoholic License Laws wherein all druggists may apply for such under certainer)