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Board and councilman say changing local beer-and-wine rules could attract grocery and retail businesses
Summary
Multiple board members and a city councilman urged considering a ballot change to allow beer and wine sales in Keene, arguing grocery-store investment and related sales-tax revenue could follow; others cautioned community values and timing.
Several board members raised the possibility of allowing beer and wine sales in Keene, saying revisiting the voter decision that previously limited alcohol sales could help attract grocery stores and other retailers as residential growth continues.
One board member said the town once voted down beer and wine and that the community makeup has changed; a different speaker said the change is “coming” and would open avenues for grocery stores and restaurants. City Councilman Bob Chapman said he has been approached by other council members and business leaders and supports moving forward, calling it an important factor for potential grocery and retail investment.
Speakers emphasized they did not intend to broaden late-night or bar-style uses; multiple participants said prior local measures limited sales to packaged beer and wine in stores rather than bars or saloons. Supporters argued that allowing packaged-sales would keep sales-tax dollars in Keene rather than being spent in neighboring cities, while some members urged careful public discussion and a ballot process because community sentiment, not just council policy, determines local alcohol rules.
Ending: Board members said the matter should inform strategic objectives and future community outreach; no formal motion or policy change was made at the meeting.
