New Liquor Store Decision Headed to Town Meeting

At last night’s meeting a sense of agreement was shared that because the town has reached the 15,000-population threshold it is okay for Hopkinton real estate developer Chuck Joseph to apply for a site-specific liquor license for a business to be located at the on South Street.

The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission normally goes by the town’s population as of the last census, which listed Hopkinton's population at roughly 14,900 and within the population range where a town is allowed to have three package stores.

Chuck Joseph, of CJPM Development LLC, has filed a citizens petition to have Town Meeting vote to approve law that would allow Joseph to pursue a license through the special legislation.

In the initial discussion of the licensing process last week, the Selectmen were unwilling to endorse the petition because they were worried it may limit a fair shake that other interested parties should be entitled to when an extra permit exists.

However after in depth research by the town's legal counsel, the board was informed that this extra license is totally separate from the population-designated licenses.

Currently the town of Hopkinton has three package store licenses; , and the closed currently hold on to them.

Do you think Hopkinton needs another liquor store? Share your thoughts in the comments.