In a night marked by extensive debate over public health and local control, Town Meeting passed Article 7, amending general bylaws to permit the consumption of alcoholic beverages on town-owned or leased property during specific events. The final version of the article reflected the Select Board’s original proposal, rejecting a Warrant Committee suggestion that would have required hosts to post the exact alcohol by volume (ABV) of every drink served. Select Board Chair Ben Zul argued that an ABV requirement was onerous and would effectively ban everything except prepackaged cocktails, as bartenders cannot easily measure the ABV of mixed drinks containing soda or juice.

The meeting saw several failed attempts to add stricter safeguards. Member Mike Zulus and Dr. Margie Skar, a professor of public health, proposed an amendment to require separate "beer gardens" that would exclude anyone under 21. Teens' brains are still developing; they are impulsive, Skar noted, arguing that seeing adults drink in public spaces impacts future youth substance use. However, opponents of the amendment, including Member Tomas Buro, argued that corralling adults would ruin the community feel of events. The body ultimately rejected the beer garden requirement and a separate proposal to ban alcohol at any site containing a playground.

The approved bylaw includes a friendly amendment accepted by the Select Board requiring non-transferable wristbands for all alcohol consumers, not just purchasers. While public health advocates expressed disappointment, Health Director Caroline Canella and the Board of Health ultimately supported the original Select Board version. The Select Board will retain discretion over issuing one-day licenses, which will continue to require police department review and licensed caterers.

Motion: To adopt the Select Board version of Article 7, with the friendly amendment requiring wristbands for all consumers.

Vote: Passed 147-30