Select Board approves one‑day liquor license for Sweet Paws event after debate over beer‑garden rules

The Groveland Select Board voted May 26 to approve a one‑day liquor license application (2026‑01) allowing Sweet Paws Rescue and Bearwolf Brewing to serve alcohol at the Pines Recreation Facility on Aug. 29, 2026. The application was tied to the groups' previously approved special event permit.

Board members discussed conditions for approval, mainly whether alcohol must be sold and consumed in a cordoned‑off "beer garden" to keep drinkers out of other park areas used by children. Select Board member Kathy argued for a secured area and said she would not vote to approve the license without a restriction requiring the alcohol to be sold and consumed only within a designated, police‑monitored zone. Staff confirmed that a police detail would be required for alcohol sales and that the board could impose a cordon as a condition of approval.

Opponents of a conditioned restriction said prior events had operated with more open layouts and expressed concern about restricting park access; one member said past arrangements had allowed attendees to move freely around an event area. After discussion, the motion to approve the license as presented carried on roll call: Steve yes; Kathy no; Jason yes; Ed yes; Becky yes.

The Select Board did not add a written condition during the meeting requiring a cordoned area, but staff stressed that site‑specific event controls (site map, police detail, and final site plan) would be required before the event. The board’s vote authorizes the license; it will be implemented subject to the usual site plan and police‑detail arrangements.