It's Official: Buckalew's, Beacon Hill Can Sell Liquor

MELROSE, MA — A crosswalk is all that separates the only two retail stores in the city that can sell liquor.

Buckalew's and Beacon Hill Wine both got their full alcohol licenses Thursday from the Melrose Liquor Commission, Mayor Paul Brodeur announced.

"Great to see these great local businesses have this opportunity to grow their businesses and serve their customers!" he tweeted.

It was a long road to get here. The discussions started at the City Council level in 2019; the pandemic and a vacated state representative seat didn't help matters. The City Council approved the retail liquor sales in February 2020.

The new allowance impacts the city's three retail alcohol licenses, two of which are owned by Buckalew's and Beacon Hill. The third license is not currently being used.

The city is continuing its major pivot in loosening liquor laws. Alcohol will soon be allowed to be sold at certain park spaces in Melrose — including at a beverage cart on Mount Hood Golf Course. An advisory group recommended to Brodeur the city drop its requirement people order food with drinks at restaurants.

Related

• Alcohol Sales At Mount Hood, Park Spaces Clear Biggest Hurdle
• Council Recommends Retail Liquor, Spirits Sales — Nips And All

Mike Carraggi can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Melrose Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook.