Taunton panel approves 25 special alcohol permits for Taunton Performing Arts Center

The Taunton Board of License Commissioners on March 12 approved special alcohol permits for Applause Dance Academy, doing business as Taunton Performing Arts Center, to sell beer and wine at 25 weekend performances scheduled from March 14 through June 29.

Commissioners discussed how the alcohol would be purchased, delivered and stored before voting. Timothy Neath, executive director of Applause Dance Academy, said the plan was to “sell beer and wine during our weekends that we have productions,” and that patrons typically purchase a drink, remain for the show and leave without incident. Talisa Proctor was identified as the service representative who would be handling the alcohol on-site.

Commissioners emphasized compliance with state rules that special-license holders must obtain alcohol through a licensed distributor and that delivery and storage on-site must follow ABCC guidance. The commission asked the applicant to provide proof of occupancy for the venue and clarified that invoices and purchasing should be issued in the license-holder’s name rather than being treated as a retail package-store sale.

To accommodate weekends when inventory would remain on-site, the commission said the permits would be written to cover the period from delivery on Friday through removal on Monday morning. Commissioner Lamb moved to approve the permits with the adjusted wording to include subsequent Mondays; Commissioner Turner seconded the motion. The motion passed with two votes in favor and one commissioner absent.

The commission did not place additional operational conditions beyond the sourcing, delivery and occupancy clarifications discussed at the hearing. The license holders were advised to coordinate delivery logistics with the distributor and the Taunton licensing office to avoid violations during transport and storage on public streets.