Applications Due Next Week for Town's Beer, Wine License

Anyone interested in picking up a beer and wine license from the town has to get an application in to the Town Clerk's office by Oct. 8.

The former owner of Londi's Roast Beef, Ted Londi, recently sold the shop and decided to turn his alcohol license back over to the town rather than try and sell it.

The license is for pouring drinks and was never put into use after Londi initially received it from the town last year. He recently sold the shop to Alam & Shah Inc., but alcohol wasn't included in the deal.

The Board of Selectmen has set Oct. 8 as the deadline to receive applications, after which a public hearing will be advertised Oct. 17 and conducted on Nov. 5.

Town Clerk Joe Collins informed the board at a recent meeting he had already received two inquiries about the license.

Selectman Bill Clark noted the rarity of the situation -- "I believe this is only the third time in about 35 years that a license has become available like this."

Clark added that it's a "great opportunity" for any small businessperson looking to open a restaurant or otherwise serve beer and wine.

"There is no extraordinary fee attached here," he said, noting licenses have sold for as much as $75,000 or more in recent years.

The most recent transaction is the pending sale of a full liquor license by Steven Todisco to Bonefish Grill, which hopes to open a new restaurant on Route 114. The details of that transaction haven't been submitted to the town yet, but will be once Bonefish applies for a transfer.

An attorney for the company indicated it was a hefty price tag. Conversely, this license will cost just $2,100 from the town plus some additional fees.