Selectmen Discuss Liquor License Application for Carli Convenience

The Burlington Board of Selectmen discussed a beer and wine application for Carli Convenient Plus, but did not hold a vote, during Monday's meeting.

The hearing for the application was continued to the meeting scheduled for Monday, March 25.

Members of the board had some reservations concerning the liquor license for the convenient store/gas station. Thus far there are no convenience stores in town that have the right to sell alcohol, making this "uncharted territory."

"I have concerns on having alcohol sold at places where it would be easy for underage sales," Selectman Robert Hogan said.

Another concern raised by selectmen was that if Carli Convenience, which is a known institution in town and has been in business for over 35 years, is granted a liquor license, that may open the floodgates for other convenience stores to apply. Selectmen were wary of having too many places in town selling alcohol.

"I assume if this is granted there will be a line outside [Town Administrator John] Petrin’s door with similar applications," Selectman Michael Runyan said.

Attorney Mario Patalano of Pinelli & Patalano and manager John Fuccione presented the case for the liquor license.

Patalano likened the application process as similar to gun permits. He said the police evaluate each gun permit application based on the merits of the applicant, not because they think more permits are needed in the community.

“There will be some [the chief] decides are worthy candidates and some he will decide will not be worthy candidates," he said. "I assume if you grant the license to Carli’s that doesn’t mean everyone will who applies will be entitled to a license."

Selectmen also asked Fuccione about the age limit for selling alcohol and what steps he will take to ensure all employees are ready to deal with underage people attempting to purchase alcohol.

Fuccione said that currently "everyone who works for me now has grandchildren," putting them well above the 18-year age needed to sell alcohol. He also said all employees would be TIPS certified and will be trained in checking identifications.

There were two other concerns raised by members of the board. The first was on the floor plan, which originally had the beer and wine next to snacks and sports drinks. Fuccione agreed at the request of the board to change the plan to further separate the beer and wine from other items.

Finally, the issue of when alcohol can be sold and what to do in off hours was raised. Convenience stores have longer hours than liquor stores and are open during times, such as Sunday mornings, when alcohol sales are prohibited by state law.

Patalano said the store would adhere to state laws and would be willing to further work with the town to further limit the hours to reflect those of local liquor stores.

"The hours that the alcohol can be sold is a concern," he said. "I would propose that a rule be in place that the alcohol sold be limited to hours that a package store is open. If it’s 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. that would work - whenever a package store is allowed to sell."

Patalano and Fuccione also agreed that during hours when alcohol sales are prohibited the store would set up barriers, such as a roped-off area, to let people know there are no sales at the time. They also discussed putting locks on the coolers but did not come to a conclusion on whether or not that would be a requirement. 

Chair of the Board of Selectmen Ralph Patuto seemed to be in favor of granting the license.

"I don’t want to paint this as something it’s not," he said after a round of tough questions. "Every applicant is different and every applicant should be judged on their current status in town. I certainly think the owner here would monitor sales and hours."

Runyan showed the most resistance, though it was focused on setting up regulations for alcohol sales at convenience stores rather than issues with this particular application.

"It seems like we’re drafting guidelines as we discuss the application," he said. "I’d suggest we create a subcommittee to look at this."