Barnstable Grants Temporary Liquor Fee Relief For Restaurants

BARNSTABLE, MA — The Barnstable Licensing Authority voted unanimously to temporarily suspend fees for inactive liquor licenses. The policy also allows for credits and rebates for businesses that already paid their 2020 balance.

Some businesses pay for an annual license in December, while others have seasonal licenses that expired in June. The Barnstable Patriot reported three businesses: Tequila Charlies, Hyannis Oyster Bar and Puff the Magic, have asked for relief because they are staying closed for the rest of the year amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The board voted to credit businesses that paid for an annual liquor license for the three months they were forced to close in the spring. These businesses will not be required to pay a renewal fee. The ruling does not apply to package stores, which were deemed essential businesses at the start of Gov. Baker's state of emergency.