Commission provisionally approves Plaza Supermarket package-store license; manager background check to be completed

The Worcester License Commission on May 29 moved to approve a package-store malt-and-wine license for 1000 Main Street Inc., doing business as Plaza Supermarket, contingent on completion of background checks and processing of manager documentation.

Applicants Luke Mendez and Luis Calderon told the commission they operate the supermarket and intend to expand product offerings. The commission confirmed proposed business hours and noted that liquor sales are subject to the commission’s time-of-day restrictions; staff clarified that alcoholic beverage sales cannot commence before the hour indicated by the commission (staff stated liquor sales cannot start before 8 a.m.).

Inspectional Services reported that manager application documents were provided at the meeting and would be scanned and processed; staff said it would complete background checks “by today, if not tomorrow,” and that the commission could approve the manager appointment proactively subject to finalization. A motion to approve the package-store license passed with the commissioners present voting in favor.

Action: Motion to approve the package-store malt-and-wine license with manager documentation to be finalized and background checks completed was made, seconded and approved by the commissioners present (two votes in favor). Staff will complete the manager background check and notify the commission if issues arise.

The approval allows the supermarket to sell malt and wine once the manager appointment clears the background check and the operation meets local regulatory requirements.