After a year of debate regarding public health and community events, Town Meeting approved Article 7, allowing the sale and consumption of alcohol on town-owned land for specific events. The new bylaw includes several restrictions intended to address concerns raised by the Board of Health and residents who had previously blocked outdoor consumption.

The approved measure requires that all consumers wear wristbands and allows the Select Board to restrict alcohol to designated areas, such as beer gardens. Warrant Committee Chair Jay Funling noted that organizations like the Chamber of Commerce believe this will foster more adult-focused community gatherings. The article contains restrictions: wristbands are required, and the select board has the option of limiting alcohol to a restricted area, Funling said.

Town Meeting members rejected a more stringent amendment from the Warrant Committee that would have required vendors to post the alcohol by volume (ABV) for every product. Instead, the final version focuses on identification and containment. The Board of Health, which had previously expressed skepticism, signaled its support for the final version of the article as written, noting the inclusion of clear safety protocols.

Motion: B. Zul moved that the Town adopt a bylaw permitting the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on town-owned property, subject to Select Board licensing and mandatory wristband requirements.

Vote: Passed 147-30