Senator Brownsberger submitted the following testimony to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure:
TO: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
FROM: Senator William N. Brownsberger
RE: S83
DATE: November 12th, 2013
I am writing in support of S83, an An Act relative to liquor license applicants.
Applicants for an original liquor license or the transfer of a liquor license must appear at a hearing before the local licensing board. Prior to the hearing, a notice must be published and abutters (properties whose boundaries touch the boundaries of the premises) as well as churches, hospitals and schools within a 500 foot radius must be notified of the hearing via registered mail.
This often leaves residents in the immediate vicinity of a bar or restaurant, who are affected by its presence, without sufficient notice of a hearing. S83 would require that license hearing notices are sent to all residents within a 250 foot radius. This will ensure that all residents who may be affected will have the opportunity to bring their concerns before the licensing board.
I hope the committee will report S83 favorably.