The Martha's Vineyard Times

Experience suggests a yes vote on beer and wine sales

April 4, 2012

To the Editor:

We are writing in support of the upcoming vote to allow beer and wine sales at restaurants in West Tisbury and to describe one family's view of how the change worked in Vineyard Haven, where we live seasonally.

At first, we were skeptical. We were afraid it might change the character of the town. When it became effective, we would often walk around town at 9 or 10 pm to see what it was like.

It was a non‑event.

While, as restaurant patrons, we enjoyed being able to BYOB, we understand that the change is good not just for the individual restaurants but for the town generally.

It is tough enough to make a living on the Vineyard, and if this helps the local businesses without causing any discomfort to the residents, as we believe has been the case in Vineyard Haven, then it's a good thing and we support it.

Louis and Linda Pashman

Vineyard Haven and Upper Saddle River, N.J.