Selectmen Approve Plan to Increase Town Liquor Licenses

Seekonk Board of Selectmen members approved the creation of an overlay district that could result in the availability of additional liquor licenses in town.

The proposed district runs along Route 6 and ends close to Anthony Street. According to Town Planner John Hansen, members wanted to be respectful of residential areas.

"We're creating a district so we can petition the legislature to allow us to issue additional liquor licenses in that area," said Chairman Dave Parker during the meeting. "We can't do it now. We're at our limit."

More liquor licenses potentially means more business. In the recent past, culinary establishments have shied away from setting up shop in Seekonk due to the lack of licenses. A liquor license swap can cost business owners hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Seekonk Planning Board members expect to hold a public hearing regarding the overlay district in September. Then, at a November town meeting, residents can vote to approve the plan. If they do approve, legislation to petition for additional licenses will be sent to state officials.

"We don't know what they will decide," Hansen said, noting state officials could approve any number of licenses.