Select Board approves transfer of Current Vintage package-store license to Moore Wine LLC and change to all-alcohol seasonal license

The Select Board on March 10 approved the transfer of a seasonal package-store license from High Tide Productions (Current Vintage) to Moore Wine LLC, with Edwin Claflin named as manager and a change of category from wine-and-malt to all alcoholic beverages. The board also approved a pledge of inventory and a pledge of license connected to the sale.

Amy, licensing staff, said the transfer moves a license from 4 Easy Street to 16 Federal Street and that the new operation will be a bottle-shop hybrid with retail clothing and curated alcohol offerings. Staff provided a map showing the location is three blocks from the current site and said the applicant has an established reputation from his restaurant Or and More.

Select Board members asked about quota and seasonal rules. Amy explained the quota for annual all-alcohol licenses is full, but the seasonal class has different limits such that a change from wine-and-malt to all-alcohol is allowed in a seasonal transfer; the board said it understood the distinction. Amy also noted the application includes a required determination under Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 138, section 16C, that the premises is not detrimental to the spiritual activities of a nearby church; the board made that determination as part of its approval.

Applicant Edwin Claflin described the concept as a curated bottle shop intended to continue the retail legacy of Current Vintage while offering a wider selection of wines and spirits; he said the shop will focus on a curated selection rather than large-volume items.

Select Board member Don moved approval and Malcolm seconded; by roll call the board voted aye (Matt, Tom, Malcolm, Don and the chair). The licensing office will finalize the transfer, record the pledge documentation, and issue the seasonal all-alcohol license subject to standard inspections and conditions.