WILMINGTON, MA — At its meeting earlier this month, the Wilmington Economic Development Committee unanimously voted to recommend to the Select Board to allow restaurants with liquor licenses to serve liquor as early as 8am, Monday through Saturday.
The request was made to the Select Board, and to the Economic Development Committee, by Mike McCoy, owner of The Real McCoy (110 Lowell Street). McCoy said he would like to have the ability to serve cocktails, like Bloody Marys and Mimosas, to interested customers.
State law permits alcohol service as early as 8am, Monday through Saturday, and 10am on Sunday. Wilmington currently allows for a 10am start across all seven days.
While nine Wilmington restaurants have liquor licenses — 99 Restaurant, Casa Blanca, Code 1 BBQ, Golden Ginger, Pacific Grove, The Real McCoy, Red Heat Tavern, Rocco’s, and Tremezzo — The Real McCoy is the only one that opens before 11am, generally operating from 7am to 2pm.
“The Select Board seemed very open [to expanding alcohol service at restaurants from 10am to 8am]. I support it,” said Select Board member Jake Gearwar, who also serves on the Economic Development Committee. Gearwar pointed out that many surrounding towns already allow alcohol service as early as 8am, creating a disadvantage for Wilmington restaurants.
“This change promotes economic growth. Enhanced hours and an enhanced scope of services is only going to help. I think it’s a great idea,” added Committee member Pat Giroux.
According to Select Board Chair Kevin Caira, the Select Board intend on holding a public hearing at one of its upcoming meetings to solicit input from the public, prior to voting on the time change.
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