Norwood Select Board denies all‑alcohol license for arcade; 3‑2 vote cites public‑good and control concerns

The Norwood Select Board voted 3–2 on July 8 to deny an application for an all‑alcohol on‑premises liquor license for an entertainment arcade located in a former tannery complex off Washington Street.

Attorney Dennis Quilty, representing the applicant, and Christopher Kronen, the proposed manager, said the arcade has operated at the site since 2023, has hosted dozens of one‑day licensed events without reported incidents and would not serve alcohol before noon on any day. The applicant said food would be available from a local restaurant, 18 Pizza, and that bartenders would be TIPS/TIP‑certified. The applicant’s written materials and testimony described the requested license as a general on‑premises (all‑alcohol) license and listed hours and operating plans; the applicant said it would accept conditions limiting where alcohol could be consumed.

Board members who voted to deny cited three categories of concern: the statutory classifications for on‑premises all‑alcohol licenses under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 138/140, the arcade’s physical layout and control of an outdoor…