S83, an An Act relative to liquor license applicants

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. 

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