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Board grants malt & wine license to El Picante Foods at 40 Union Ave
Summary
Cafeta Foods LLC (El Picante Foods) received a malt and wine retail license for 40 Union Avenue; the approval was unanimous and conditioned on standard fees and municipal permits.
The Board of License Commissioners voted 5–0 to grant a malt and wine retail license to Cafeta Foods LLC, d/b/a El Picante Foods, at 40 Union Avenue.
Owner Edgar Baltazar and assistant manager Yolanda Jaimez appeared before the board and described the business as a neighborhood convenience and grocery store serving nearby Spanish‑ and Portuguese‑speaking communities. Baltazar said the store will continue to sell groceries and add a selection of beers and a limited number of wines tailored to local shoppers; he also said the business will deploy a point‑of‑sale system capable of checking identification.
Commissioners and police discussed the local context: Lieutenant McCarthy noted a number of package stores in the broader half‑mile area but also acknowledged that many are separated by Route 135 and are not necessarily within walking distance. Commissioners stressed the importance of ID checks and staff training; Baltazar said managers and staff have completed alcohol‑service training and would continue to refresh that training.
The board’s motion to grant the malt and wine retail license, subject to payment of fees and city approvals, passed unanimously. Commissioners congratulated the licensees and emphasized compliance with alcohol regulations to avoid future violations.
