The Martha's Vineyard Times

Edgartown orders halt to alcohol sales at Sophia's

By Steve Myrick
December 19, 2012

Edgartown police ordered Sophia's One-Stop Mart on Upper Main Street to stop selling beer and wine Saturday, after the town discovered the owner sold the business earlier this year, but the new owners never applied to transfer the alcohol license, according to town officials.

Police ordered the store manager to remove all alcohol from the store.

State law requires that any transfer of the alcohol license or change of managers be approved by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, and by selectmen.

Selectmen denied the annual routine renewal of the alcohol license at their meeting Monday. Town administrator Pam Dolby said the applicant that signed the renewal application was not authorized to apply for the renewal.

Selectmen suspended the convenience store's alcohol license in July, after police surveillance documented store clerks repeatedly selling alcohol to minors.

"They continue to have a hard time understanding what is required of them," Det. Sgt. Chris Dolby said.

Town administrator Pam Dolby said town officials learned of the sale last week, but the terms of the sale, the date of the sale, and the identity of the buyer remain unclear.

Store owners could not be reached for comment.