Beer, Wine License Nixed for Xtramart

Selectmen voted 4-1 tonight to deny a beer and wine license to Xtramart at 87 Worcester St.

Concerns were raised about selling alcohol in a location where teens are known to congregate and at an establishment that is open 24 hours.

Selling alcohol in a teen-friendly location is  “a bad mix,’’ selectman Brook Padgett said.

Teens would be noticeable at a liquor store, selectman John Dowling said, but could be easier to overlook at a convenience store, which could create problems, Padgett said,

Selectman John Carlson agreed. He also questioned how secure the beer and wine would be during hours when alcohol cannot be legally sold.

Store manager Melissa Vassar said the store wanted to offer beer and wine as an extra convenience to customers. Customers who looked 35 or younger would be asked for identification, another store representative said.

Store representatives said the beer and wine would be covered during hours when it cannot be sold. “My concern is the control,’’ Carlson said. “I don’t think just throwing a drape’’ over the alcohol is enough of a deterrent to “mischievous hands.’’

Town residents spoke out against issuing the license, noting that , at 77 Worcester St., is located a few buildings away.

Town resident Charles Bolack said the Xtramart was known for being a  place where teens hang out.

He also said the town had enough locations to purchase liquor. “I think we’re well-served with the liquor licenses in town,’’ he said.

Selectman Peter Adams cast the sole vote in favor of granting the license. He noted that two other convenience stores – Ultra Mart in North Grafton and in South Grafton – were awarded beer and wine licenses.

He said he was confident that the liquor sales “could be controlled’’ and only made available in legal hours and to customers 21 and older. He said he appreciated having a store in town that is open 24 hours.