Selectmen Vote Against Beer, Wine Sales At Pump 'N Pantry

Lynnfield selectmen have voted to deny a request by Pump ‘N Pantry on Main Street for a package store wine and malt beverage license.

The selectmen voted after a group of abutters came to Monday’s meeting to express their opposition to beer and wine sales at a business they say already brings enough quality of life issues to neighbors, from litter to traffic. 

Even without the show of opposition, selectmen were expressing their own reservations about granting what would be the last license of this kind in town to the Pump ‘N Pantry, and about alcohol sales there in general. The selectmen were also skeptical of the store’s ability to keep the alcohol out of the hands of minors or shoplifters based on the proposed layout, which would have included three refrigerated door sections for beer and one aisle section for wine.

On behalf of his client, owner Jignesh Patel, attorney Jason Kimball emphasized the small amount of space that would be used at the store for alcohol sales, as well as the overall convenience for residents in that area of town.

While selectmen voted against the proposal, it was also noted at the meeting that the store has the right to appeal the decision to the state.