State House drags out Tisbury's long dry spell
Published: June 23, 2011
In contrast to Aquinnah, the latest push to allow the sale of beer and wine in the town of Tisbury has been fermenting since 2004.
The Tisbury Business Association spurred the initiative when they submitted a draft warrant article to the selectmen that would allow limited sales of beer and wine at restaurants and inns. The selectmen rejected the proposed article.
The TBA asked selectmen to reconsider the issue in 2006. Selectmen decided to appoint a beer and wine review committee to study the potential impact of alcohol sales before they would consider a warrant article.
Last April by a vote of 120 to 77 Tisbury voters authorized the selectmen to file a Home Rule petition requesting special legislation for an act authorizing them to grant licenses to restaurants for beer and wine sales.
The petition stipulates that beer and wine would be limited to consumption with meals only and must be served to patrons seated at a dining table in a licensed establishment with at least 30 seats.
Tisbury's bill is currently wending its way through the legislative process. It awaits approval by the House and Senate and the governor's signature. Rep. Eric Turkington said that Aquinnah's bill most likely made it through the legislative process faster than Tisbury's because it was filed earlier.
