AMHERST – A new store and cafe specializing in products from the United Kingdom will be able to sell alcohol when it opens this summer.
The Select Board on Wednesday voted unanimously to issue an all-alcohol, on-premise license for Londonwest Co., which will be located at 35 South Pleasant St. in space last used by artALIVE.
After board members expressed concerns about the request when it was first presented April 19, saying they were uncertain about whether it was appropriate to mix retail and alcohol service. However, those concerns were allayed after owner Heather Sutherland of Ludlow submitted a three-page management plan.
Select Board member Andrew Steinberg said Wednesday that he appreciated the thought and work that went into this plan.
This plan shows that the license will cover the entire 1,133-square-foot store, with 1,000 square feet on the main level and a 133-square-foot basement storage room. No more than 20 people will be allowed inside the business at a time, and there are only 14 seats in the cafe area.
The management plan also states that the store will always have two employees working, both of whom will be certified in alcohol service, and includes thorough procedures for checking identifications.
Thomas Reidy, an attorney with Bacon Wilson PC of Amherst, said the management plan uses best practices recommended by the state’s Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.
While the all-alcohol license means that Sutherland could serve hard liquor and mixed drinks, Reidy said his client was asking for something she does not need because no on-premise beer and wine license is available in Amherst. “It’s the hand we’ve been dealt,” Reidy said.
Beside the beer and wine, all to be imported from Great Britain, light snacks, pastries and custards will be sold. Sutherland also received a common victualler’s license from the Select Board.
Sutherland said the hope is to open the store, which will also feature sporting goods and gifts, in early July, though that will depend on a construction schedule.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
