With the exception of restaurants or clubs that may open at Northborough Crossing, the final all-alcohol licenses are currently claimed by town establishments with the exception of two malt and wine licenses.
Before inquiries might come in, Town Administrator John Coderre wants to make sure a policy is established, if any, regarding allowing patrons to bring their own beer and wine into a restaurant. The BYOB policy has been debated at the last two Board of Selectmen meetings, and the town has also shared a proposed draft of provisions that would apply if Northborough chooses to allow BYOB.
Currently, BYOB is allowed, but Coderre said it was an appropriate time to either leave the policy as is, draft a new policy, or ban BYOB in the town.
As part of the process of discussion, the Board of Selectmen is holding a public hearing on Monday, Nov. 19, at 7:15 p.m. in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room at the Town Hall.
"The purpose of the session is to provide an opportunity for the public to provide input regarding a proposed policy for a “Carry-In Wine & Malt (BYOB) Permit," wrote Jeff Amberson, the board's clerk, in the notice.
A copy of the proposed policy is on file in the Town Clerk’s Office.
The current draft, provided BYOB continues to be allowed, would require that establishments limit the amount of alcohol that is carried in, that BYOB would only be allowed at restaurants with a waitstaff, that the waitstaff be TIP certified and the establishment must undero go a due diligence manager background check conducted by the police department.
"We can do nothing, and it is allowed currently," said Coderre "Or, we can decide what is allowed, or prohibit BYOB altogether."
Board members, initially, have varied opinions on the BYOB policy in town.
Selectman Dawn Rand argues that allowing BYOB puts the establishments who have already obtained a license at a disadvantage.
"My thought is to prohibit it," she said.
Amberson added, "I don't see a huge rush of people wanting to do this. But I am not convinced that it would put others at a disadvantage."
The public is encouraged to attend, or submit their feedback to the board members.