After Heated Session, Dean Wins Liquor Approval from Town Council

A lengthy discussion that took up much of Wednesday evening’s Town Council session again focused on whether the town should approve a liquor license for Dean College. A year ago, a nay vote from the town led Dean to appeal the matter to the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC). ABCC found fault with the town’s ruling and requested the matter be reconsidered and recommended approval.

At one point, Chairman Tom Mercer addressed the audience present and at home. “It is important to get clarity on this – the license is for events only, there will be no pub open on a regular basis. I think some have had the impression this is for an actual pub in the student center: it is not,” he explained.

But not all councilors were swayed. Vice Chair Robert Dellorco asked the representatives from Dean whether they had the proper equipment to verify the validity of IDs. The representative of the college promised that administrators would be present and no students not known to be age 21 or over would be allowed into any of the events.

Councilor Debbie Pellegri said she felt that a Franklin Police detail should be required anytime liquor is served on campus, “for your protection and for the town.” However, the college representative scoffed at the suggestion because of its high cost, which he said would make it uneconomic to hold most events.

“Then is this just to make money,” Pellegri probed?

Several citizens chimed in, too. Jane Callaway-Tripp took exception to the breadth and flexibility of the license as proposed, which would allow the college to serve liquor in a number of different designated areas. “Other commercial establishments don’t have that option,” she said. Rick Ciccone also warned the councilors that if they chose to approve the license, they were taking a path they would eventually come to regret.

After further citizen comments and discussion, the matter was put up for a vote, earning seven “yays” and two “nays” – Andy Bissanti and Brian Chandler – providing Dean College with a New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License located at 135 Emmons Street.

As finally approved, the measure includes the three conditions proposed in 2020, namely: sale/service of alcoholic beverages only to Dean College faculty, staff, alumni, students and their guests; sale/service of alcoholic beverages limited to seven specific areas; and, sale/service of alcoholic beverages at no more than three events at the same time. A fourth condition regarding ensuring that no underage students attend any such events was also added.

After the meeting Bissanti expressed his frustration. “It’s a potential recipe for disaster to have unlimited events at the college with a full pour license,” he said. “I am disappointed that only myself and Councilor Chandler took issue with this,” he added.