Acushnet selectmen vote to deny 3 a.m. liquor extensions

The Acushnet Board of Selectmen voted on June 24 to direct the police chief to enforce current liquor closing hours and not allow local establishments to remain open until 3:00 a.m.

The discussion followed a police response to late-night activity at one establishment. Multiple selectmen said the town — where most patrons drive and late-night transportation options are limited — should not extend hours that could increase risk. “In small towns like Acushnet, most people are driving…3:00 a.m. is just adding what I would consider a possible dangerous situation,” one selectman said.

A motion “not to allow” 3 a.m. extensions was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote; the board asked the town administrator to email the police chief immediately so department staff could enforce the decision if a similar incident recurs.

The vote is a local licensing enforcement decision; no ordinance change was proposed. The board said the directive responds to recent calls and is intended to protect public safety in residential neighborhoods.