One-day liquor licenses now require bartending service, Middleboro board votes

May 21, 2024

MIDDLEBORO — Anyone requesting a one-day liquor license from the town must offer a bartending service that is insured and hires employees certified in alcohol service, the Select Board agreed at its Monday, May 21 meeting.

The employees must be TIPS certified, which refers to Training for Intervention Procedures. This program teaches employees how to prevent intoxication, underage drinking and drunk driving. 

The new policy, which was approved in draft form, does not apply to at-home private parties, Select Board Chair Mark Germain said, or to establishments that have liquor licenses.

The new policy serves as “an extra step’’ to protect the town’s liability, Germain said.

Special one-day licenses will not be granted more than 30 times a year to the same individual, the new policy reads. 

Anyone requesting a one-day license cannot have an on-premises liquor application request pending and must have paid all local taxes, fees and assessments.

Any bartending service would be acceptable, Germain said, noting that the policy is not meant to demand a specific business.