Opinion/Your Turn: 'Proximity' an invalid excuse for Market Basket liquor license denial
I am saddened by the news that a liquor license was denied for Market Basket in Sagamore. Market Basket met all the “requirements” set forth and has been a pillar of the community serving the residents on many fronts —convenience, exceeding community standards, employment, and an enhanced variety of products available and competitive pricing.
Stating that we have “three” retail liquor stores in close proximity that can serve the needs of the people is not true. The ones that are in that proximity have very limited choice availability whereas Market Basket has much more variety. As of now, I no longer imbibe but do have alcohol for guests of my home. I go to Wareham for some types of liquor, Cedarville for types of beer and even Sturbridge for other types we imbibe in. Yes, I also shop locally for spirits. Market Basket has these brands in their normal stock. How many more like me do this, costing the town how much tax revenue?
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It was stated that we have three gas stations within 400 yards of each other, which didn’t matter when the licenses were approved. I ask why do we have three gas station/convenience stores in such proximity? There's a Mobil at Belmont Rotary, a Shell on the other side of the rotary, a Speedy on the westbound side of Scenic Highway, A Super Cumberland Farms over bridge at the rotary on the Cape side of town and now another to be built across the street on Scenic westbound? All of these sell coffee (there are two Dunkin Donuts in close proximity, one next to Speedy and one near the Shell station). The gas station/convenience stores sell Mass Lottery tickets too. However, that is a subject for future discussion.
I am all for small businesses as I was involved with one. We had to be competitive. However, for small businesses to survive they must also be competitive and operate on a margin that is competitive. I do not agree with the statement of the “buying power” of a large chain as Market Basket will get “significantly lower wholesale prices.” Yes, they will get a small reduction, along with quick pay discounts as the other local stores have available.
In short, Bourne should make a choice, either issue those extra licenses or turn them back to the state, as, in the words of the town, “The demographics show more retail liquor stores are not needed in that area to fulfill the needs of the residents of Bourne.”
We need to make a choice here and make it quickly.
Tony Lacina, Sagamore Beach
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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Saga over Sagamore liquor license for Market Basket roils Bourne
