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Last Connecticut Town Finally Ditches Archaic Alcohol Ban
By
Nell Casey
Published Nov 10, 2014
Modified Nov 10, 2014
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By
Nell Casey
Published Nov 10, 2014
Modified Nov 10, 2014
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It only took 81 years, but the last dry town in Connecticut has finally been seduced by the siren call of alcoholic beverages. On election day last week, the town of Bridgewater, about 80 miles north of the city, voted to abolish the ban of alcohol sales, reports the Times. Of the 1,725 residents, only 246 teetotalers wanted to keep things the way they've been since the end of Prohibition, with 660 party animals voting in favor of a damn beer being sold within the town limits.
Residents have been able to enjoy alcohol privately in their homes or at local events, but this change means that alcohol could theoretically be sold at a bar, cafe or restaurant—if the town even had one, that is. As of now, zoning restrictions mean that there aren't any food service establishments currently in Bridgewater; local zoning would have to be rethought in order to take action on the voter's wishes. That would be as far as the change extends, though, as it still doesn't allow for the sale of alcohol at a convenience store or the establishment of a liquor store.
Instead of rowdy keggers, supporters of this measure hope to attract younger families to move into the town, eventually revitalizing the increasingly older population currently in residence. Of course, not everybody's on board with the new wild ways. "Just because we now have liquor sales isn’t what I call revitalization of a town," cautioned William T. Stuart, a former first selectman who began the town's popular tractor parade. "It will take a lot more to revitalize it." Careful what you wish for!
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alcohol
blue laws
bridgewater
connecticut
prohibition
Nell Casey
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