Voter Question 3 focuses on expansion of alcohol sales. A yes vote would gradually increase the number of liquor licenses that a company could own from nine to 18 until 2031. A no vote would mean no changes in alcohol sales.
One liquor license allows one liquor store opening. It would also control the maximum number of “all alcoholic beverages” licenses with which retailers could sell hard liquor at seven beginning in 2023.
An additional three changes also come with the summary of Question 3. First, it proposes to ban self-checkout of alcoholic sales. Second, there would be a change in formula in calculating fines for selling to minors. Third, it allows retailers to accept out-of-state motor vehicle licenses for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
Senator Brendan Crighton, who represents the 3rd Essex District, has announced his support for the approval of Question 3 on November’s ballot on Oct. 19.
“It is so important that we support the small businesses that stimulate our local economy, which is why I’m voting yes on Question 3,” said Crighton.
Owner of Lynnway Liquor, Cliff Ansara, is rallying with Massachusetts Package Stores Association to get people to vote yes on Question 3. His main point as a local retailer is on the inconvenience of out-of-state tourists coming to Massachusetts and needing other age identification than driver license.
“Massachusetts is the last state in the United States that does not allow out-of-state id,” said Ansara.
His second viewpoint is as a local store they are trying to prevent giant big box companies from coming into the state, because of restriction of “all alcoholic beverages” licenses. He said, “there were convenience stores and big box supermarket stores that don’t care about the local families, and they just care about the almighty dollar.”
According to Ansara, Total Wine was doing a deceitful campaign which included running an advertisement saying Question 3 is a “backroom deal” that doesn’t benefit consumers. He said the chain store tried to pose as a small retailer, and the TV ads caused a big confusion for consumers.
