Should Wellesley Vote in Favor of a Change to Liquor Laws?

In an effort to drive business to Wellesley – specifically to the downtown area – the town could vote in favor of a liquor law change as soon as this March's election.

Right now, restaurants must have at least 100 seats to be granted a license to serve alcohol. To order alcohol, patrons must order food as well, according to a town bylaw.

Special Town Meeting last year to authorize the Board of Selectmen to petition the state legislature to authorize the board to grant alcohol licenses to restauarnts with between 50 and 99 seats pending a town vote. The board passed a motion Monday to place this as a question on the ballot. If the town votes yes, the board will update the law reducing the required seat count.

Last year at a Board of Selectmen’s meeting, Ming Tsai, owner of , said he’d like to see the for restaurants over 100 seats such as his own.

On the table also are possible “beer and wine only” license, which could be afforded to smaller restaurants, though the town only has six to give.

Do you think the liquor laws of Wellesley should change? If so, how? What changes would you like to see made. Or would you like to see them kept as is?