Barnacle Bill’s closes, loses liquor license

The Wareham Select Board planned to hold a hearing during its Tuesday, June 4 meeting, regarding a possible suspension of the liquor license for Barnacle Bill’s Seafood, a restaurant at 3126 Cranberry Highway, East Wareham. 

However, that hearing did not take place, as before it could, the state of Massachusetts seized the business’ liquor license, announced Select Board Chair Judith Whiteside. 

According to Whiteside, before a business changes its hours for an extended period of time, it needs to inform the town. However, in driving by the business, the Select Board found out it was closed and the building was up for lease, leading to the scheduling of the disciplinary hearing. 

Town Attorney Richard Bowen explained the situation with the state. 

The Department of Revenue made a request of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission to seize the license, said Bowen. It will be auctioned off, and the proceeds will be used to defray taxes due on the business. 

The “lucky winner” at the auction will be given a right to an involuntary transfer of liquor license from the former owner. However, the new owner would need to come before the Select Board for review, as with other liquor licenses, he said. 

Barnacle Bill's previously went before the Select Board on Tuesday, March 5 to resolve a non-payment of license fees and a failure to prove insurance.