New Milford Borough says ‘no’ to beer sales

New Milford Borough Council voted “no” to accepting the transfer of a Liquor Control Board license from Forest City that would allow for the Pump N Pantry to sell beer in the convenience store located in the town.

New Milford Borough Council held a second public hearing – a reconsideration of the request from Pump N Pantry to transfer a liquor license to the town. After listening to residents at the Thursday, Aug. 31 hearing, council in 6-0 vote denied the move.
But council’s vote could be a moot point, or land the borough in a legal dispute.
Pump N Pantry attorney John Rogers objected to the hearing, stating it was held without being properly advertised, per Liquor Control board Requirements. He said it was required for a notice to be published for two consecutive weeks prior to the meeting. He said the code also requires a legally advertised hearing be held within 45 days of filing the application with the borough. The borough advertised the hearing only once. He warned the company would likely take legal action against the borough to seek damages. Rogers also said the company would not participate in the Thursday hearing.
New Milford Borough Solicitor Michael Briechle noted the objection, and told the law states a receiving municipality “shall approve” the request unless the transfer of the license would adversely affect the welfare, health, peace or morals of the residents.
One audience member said she was, “not for it” because the borough had enough establishments already serving alcohol. She also noted several questions and concerns – such as drinking in the store, that she believed needed to be answered.
At a prior meeting, PnP President Scott Quigg answered questions about the planned beer sales and service and cashier training.
A Church Street resident said he has already experienced damage on his property people leaving one local tavern. He said he had concerns about people traveling through the intersection of Routes 11 and 492, and that he believed it would be more dangerous if beer sales were available at the convenience store.
“Does this mean you’re going to micro-manage every business when they sell something new,” Don Button asked. The solicitor said the borough council was only considering this because the was mandatory for them to do so.
Several residents said they thought Pump N Pantry should transfer the license to another location, in a different municipality. “They have other options, as well,” Vicki Drake said.
Council also received about 30 letters regarding the proposed beer sales in the convenience store.
Following an executive session with the solicitor, council voted 6-0 to deny the license transfer.
“I think we’ll lose this case,” Council President Richard Ainey said. “We will have to accept the consequences of the denial.”