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Nahant selectmen approve all‑alcohol package store license for Richland Convenience
Summary
The Nahant Board of Selectmen voted to approve a Section 15 all‑alcohol off‑premises package store license for Richland Convenience at 332 Nahant Road after a public hearing in which the applicant and supporters described store upgrades, a 122‑signature petition and manager training; the motion passed by roll call.
The Nahant Board of Selectmen voted April 1 to approve a Section 15 all‑alcohol off‑premises package store license for Nahant Richland Retail Corporation, the operator of Richland Convenience at 332 Nahant Road.
Attorney Tom Trueax, representing the applicants, told the board the store was purchased by Rishi Raj Chauhan and his wife in December and that they had worked to improve the site and meet community expectations. Trueax said the application included a petition of 122 resident signatures and he read the statutory public‑need standard, quoting Massachusetts General Laws chapter 138, section 23: "To serve the public need and to provide an adequate number of places at which the public may obtain ... the different sorts of beverages for the sale of which provision is made." He said Chauhan is TIPS certified and that the applicants have sought to run a "first‑class" convenience operation for Nahant.
Residents who spoke during the public comment period largely supported the application. Carl Easton of 14 Locust Way said, "We patronize this store because we like it. We go there every single day," and other neighbors described the proprietors as attentive and the store as improved and well‑run.
Board members asked whether a second package store was necessary on the peninsula—one member said he personally did not see the need but would not oppose the application—before holding a roll‑call vote. Jean Canty, Pat O'Reilly and Chair Rob Tibbo each voted "aye." The motion to approve the license and send it to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission for review, and to authorize the town administrator to sign necessary paperwork, passed.
After the license vote the board moved and approved closing the public hearing. The applicant and town staff were asked to complete required documentation and provide any certifications requested by the board.
