Expanding Melrose Alcohol Sales Proving Difficult Task

MELROSE, MA — City lawmakers bought themselves more time to decide what to do with the mayor's proposal to allow alcohol sales at places like Mount Hood and Bowden Park.

The City Council on Tuesday night voted to send Mayor Paul Brodeur's order back to committee, the same committee that already sent it to the full council without a recommendation for passage. Councilors essentially don't know what to do with it right now, in part blaming the administration for a lack of preparation in the order.

"I don't think the city did its job in what it brought before us," Councilor Jen Grigoraitis said.

Councilor Jeff McNaught said the council needs to hear from more residents before making a decision.

"I think that we need to take our time and handle this right and not rush any decision tonight," McNaught said. "We need more feedback."

Brodeur's order would strike language from the City Charter that bans the sale of alcohol on properties controlled by the Park Commission. The move would allow sales at places like the Farmers' Market and certain one-day events — with permission from the Liquor Commission.

But the order came down shortly after Mount Hood's most recent request to run a beverage cart on its golf course, and the administration has had difficulty separating that conversation from the larger one. Mount Hood cannot run its beverage cart without the mayor's order passing.

At least a couple dozen residents of the Mount Hood area have opposed a beverage cart, citing the golf course's location in their neighborhood.

Mount Hood has argued selling alcohol will mean less alcohol on the course in general since fewer people will be sneaking it own and fewer still getting drunk.

The Park Commission stands to benefit about an additional $7,000 a year from a beverage cart, according to revenue estimates. While the commission says it needs every cent it can get after the pandemic, others say the golf course is in no financial pickle.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Melrose Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook.