WINE STORE REACTION PROMPTS NEW LIQUOR LICENSE PROPOSALS

The Township is planning to implement new policies related to the transfer of liquor licenses following the initial outcry against the planned wine store at Prospect Street and Springfield Avenue.

Some residents complained that they were not given adequate notice about plans to transfer a liquor license to a Boonton-based liquor store owner who is planning to open a wine store in the former Santander Bank on Springfield Avenue.

Although many who had objected are now welcoming the upscale wine shop after a meeting with Mayor Vic De Luca and the owners, the initial concerns about a lack of information prior to the transfer approval sparked some new proposed requirements for future liquor transfers, officials revealed at last week's Township Committee meeting.

"The requirement that the ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) Board has to run two public notices is just inadequate in this day and age," De Luca said at last Tuesday's TC meeting.

The proposals the TC discussed include:

* Creating an ABC page on the Township website.
* Sending an email blast to residents when a liquor license transfer or application is submitted.
* Posting a notice on the building where the license will be used about the ABC hearing.
* Requiring a notice of the hearing to be sent to residents with 200 feet of the site.

"Let's think about how we can do that," De Luca said. "This way we're pushing out information through our website and pulling people in with a mailing, telling them it is being considered."