During a meeting with the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission regarding the revocation of J.P. Beer and Wine store, no decision was immediately provided. The Commission heard testimony from town selectmen, Michael Rosa and Robert Correnti. Selectman Chairman Mark Lombardo was also present at the hearing, but was not called to testify by either side.

Commissioner Robert Cronin felt the need to ask why individual selectmen didn’t “permanently suspend” the liquor license as opposed to revoking it. In his commentary Commissioner Cronin suggested that the revocation of the license made it very difficult to sell the business, whereas if the license were suspended, it could transfer to the new owner who could then apply for the suspension to be lifted. Both selectmen stated that they hadn’t thought about a permanent suspension.

Personally, I don’t see what one has to do with the other. The focus should have been upon the expression of disdain by the store owners for the terms of use that came with the license. Not only did they sell to minors on three occasions within 18 months, but the same clerk was involved in two of the transactions. Next, Commissioner Cronin asked if the selectmen felt that selling to minors was a deliberate act as part of the owner’s business model or if it was just the result of inattention. Was he serious? Did he honestly expect the selectmen to read the mind of those to whom licenses are issued? Mr. Cronin also made some inane remark about how “most countries don’t have laws limiting sales to minors suggesting an excuse for the owners.

Whatever happened to “ignorance of the law not being an excuse for violating it”? Three times! Within 18 months! Twice by the same person! Give me a flippin break. This is yet another instance of unwarranted intrusion by a State official into town business. What right does Boston have to tell Billerica who and how many licenses can be issued or revoked? The people of Billerica and their representatives certainly know what’s best for them more so than some bureaucrat from the State with questionable intellect and principles in applying the intent as well as the spirit of the law.

In my view, this business deserves revocaton and any associated costs resulting from that action is just too bad. Call it the cost of not doing business properly. The law is clear. The owners have received more than one instance of training and the fact that the same clerk made the same “mistake” twice is a strong indicator that it was not a mistake after all.

If you believe the liquor license for this business should be permanently revoked, write, e-mail or call Commissioner Cronin and his associates and voice your opinion. If you do not, I have no doubt that the store will be back in business selling to minors. Our illustrious selectmen and new town manager need to work with town meeting members and legal counsel to come up with a policy that speaks specifically and directly to infractions and punishments. Heavily punitive fines should be issued for the first offense; and even greater fine with a suspension for the 2nd, and automatic revocation along with trebeling the 2nd fine should be the third option. No exception, no extenuating circumstances, no pleas for mitigation. Three strikes and out you go sans license. Period!

Anyway, that would be my recommendation, and I live within walking distance of this loathsome facility. Speaking of beer and wine, I need to make a run up to New Hampshire and ummm, look around.

In the meantime, I guess we’ll have to wait the 30 – 60 days granted to the ABCC to issue their decision. Bartender! Pour me another please. I brought my designated driver.