Rehearing for Speedy Mart in Worcester draws business opposition; commission approves license
Loading...
Summary
At a rehearing for Kashi Corporation (Speedy Mart) opponents argued the area is already well served and enforcement of market‑level purchasing is uneven; the License Commission voted to approve the applicant despite public objections.
The Worcester License Commission heard a lengthy rehearing on May 1 for Kashi Corporation doing business as Speedy Mart after the commission received petitions both supporting and objecting to a proposed beer‑and‑wine license for a convenience‑store location.
Bill Kuritzy of Olympic Wine & Liquors spoke at length in opposition. Kuritzy argued the neighborhood is already "well served" with package stores and larger retailers and raised enforcement concerns about consolidated purchasing and transfers between licenses. "I oppose this license," Kuritzy said, adding that multiple nearby outlets and large‑scale retailers make it difficult for single‑store operators to compete under current market practices. He told the commission he had submitted signatures and other materials opposing the license and questioned what had changed since an earlier, similar application that he recalled being denied.
Commissioners and the chair responded in turn. Commissioner Patricia Fisher said the commission had discretion to consider petitions and market need and noted that votes can differ by commissioner. "Although Commissioner Vigliotti voted against it, both Commissioner Cruz and I, decided to grant the license," Fisher said when summarizing the panel’s position.
After public comment and discussion — including an administrative note that a site view of the premises had been held and the applicant presented roughly 200 signatures in favor — the commission moved to approve the license. The roll call recorded the two supporting commissioners voting yes: Commissioner Cruz: yes; Commissioner Fisher: yes. The record shows the commission proceeded with approval despite the objection. The minutes do not record an individual second for the motion in the transcript excerpt.
Opponents framed their argument around market concentration and the practical impact on existing small retailers; they repeatedly urged the commission and the state ABCC to enforce transfer and consolidated‑purchasing rules more strictly. The commission’s decision as recorded moves the local approval forward to the ABCC for final review, per normal procedures for new beer‑and‑wine permits.
The commission did not adopt any new enforcement action on consolidated purchasing at the meeting. Kuritzy said enforcement gaps remain a concern for single‑store operators; commissioners suggested that enforcement issues are a matter for the ABCC or other state authorities rather than the local license panel.
The commission completed the rehearing and continued with the day’s agenda.
