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Saturday, February 27, 2016

Senator, County At Odds Over Package Goods Measure; Commissioners Support House Legislation

BERLIN — One week after Worcester officials threw their support behind a bill introduced in the House to pursue an exit strategy for the county’s Department of Liquor Control (DLC), Senator Jim Mathias responded to criticism his legislation did not represent the county’s wishes.

As part of the exit strategy for the beleaguered DLC, a pair of bills has been introduced in the General Assembly creating a Class A beer, wine and liquor license in Worcester that would essentially allow for new private sector package goods stores in the county. The bills would also permit existing businesses that sell beer and wine to add liquor to their line of merchandise by acquiring the new Class A license.

For decades, all liquor had to be purchased at county-run retail stores for off-site or carryout consumption, with the exception of a few grandfathered businesses that were allowed to sell liquor off-site. However, faced with drooping revenues and stiff competition from liquor wholesalers following an upheaval of the old Liquor Control Board (LCB) system, the county is now planning an exit strategy.

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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gee, I wonder how much a Class A license will cost? At least it's a Fee, not a Tax.

Anonymous said...

Still cheaper to obtain spirits in DEL or if down in the southern eastern shore - VA.

Competition brings on better selection..which brings on more revenue!

Anonymous said...

Mathis is a joke, the only thing he represents is money in his pocket and screwing everyone else! He could care less about what people think in his district. Typical demorat he is

Anonymous said...

I hate paying into MD's coffers. That's why I buy everything I can out of state. My booze is part of that everything.