Foxborough Selectmen Approve Trader Joe’s Liquor License

Trader Joe’s will be coming to Foxborough after the selectmen gave their approval by a 5-0 vote to grant a full alcohol license to the company Tuesday.

Now, Trader Joe’s is hoping to open by Patriots’ training camp in July, according to Chris Maguire of the company.

When the vote was announced, the pro-Trader Joe’s crowd erupted in a cheer.

“I’m very happy with the agreement,” said selectman James DeVellis, alluding to the store strong reputation. “If it wasn’t any other store, it wouldn’t have gotten this far.”

Trader Joe’s and the town agreed to the following conditions in accepting the license transfer.

-Trader Joe’s won’t sell spirits until Jan. 1, 2013.

-Won’t sell alcohol when the gates open up at Gillette Stadium

-Won’t sell any spirits less than eight ounces.

-The license will commence on July 1, 2012.

Foxborough police chief Edward O’Leary felt the Jan. 1, 2013 deadline was a good measure to take.

“This is very prudent,” he said. “This will allow for the opening of the store to go forward. As of December, we will have been through 18 major events and learn how it works.

“We’re learning to walk before we are running a marathon.”

Trader Joe’s will be working with the town on a program to identify those using false identification to purchase liquor, which O’Leary pointed out to be a problem in the area.

Selectmen chairman Larry Harrington suggest having a summit to deal with alcohol issues, involving all the places in town who serve liquor to attend and share best practices.

He said he received a great deal of email on the license indicating to hum that the issue is a concern in town.

“Safety is the No. 1 issue,” said Harrington. “We want no underage drinking and no over serving.”

At their previous meeting, selectmen couldn’t reach an agreement to grant Trader Joe’s the all-alcohol license. Instead, they postponed a decision to allow both the lawyers to meet to see if they could come up with a resolution.

Trader Joe’s will be purchasing Central Wine & Spirits  license as owner William Varkas sold it to them.

The store will be located in the empty Circuit City building in the South Plaza of Patriot Place.