By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Shrewsbury – A Special Town Meeting will be held Monday, Nov. 9 to vote on a special amendment that would approve the town’s request for an increase in full liquor licenses from the state’s Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (MACC). The STM is being held at the request of Whole Foods Market.
Representatives from Whole Foods met with the Board of Selectmen at the board’s Sept. 22 meeting to explain the rationale behind the request. The company is planning on building a store in the soon-to-be built Lakeway Commons, which will be sited at the location of the former Spag’s property. The store will be part of a mixed-use development being built by Grossman Development Group, LLC.
Michael Scott, of Nutter McClennen and Fish LLP, representing Whole Foods, said the store would like to apply for a full liquor license if the town gets approval from the MACC.
The store was not trying to be a “package store or destination” for buying alcohol, he said, but rather have the opportunity to offer alcohol that could be paired with food items.
“It’s part of an evolution that would allow them to compete with other stores,” he added.
The selectmen noted that Whole Foods would not necessarily be given the license if the town did receive an increase. Scott agreed that his client was aware of that fact. He added that the company would pay for the associated costs for the STM.
The STM will be held at the Oak Middle School, 45 Oak St. at 7 p.m.