Executive Secretary

Leon A. Gaumond Jr., M.P.A.

Telephone: 413-525-5427

Fax : 413-525-1025

Email: lgaumond@eastlongmeadow.org

For immediate release: November 20, 2003

For further information, contact –

Leon A. Gaumond, Jr. at 525-5400x420

EAST LONGMEADOW SELECTMEN TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING ON COMMON VICTUALER LICENSES

The East Longmeadow Board of Selectmen will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, December 3, 2003 at 6:30 P.M. in the Meeting Room at the Town Hall for discussion as to new regulations governing establishments holding common victualer licenses.

The new regulations concern the serving of “suitable food” as is set forth in the menu submitted as part of the license application for a common victualer license and specifically approved by the Licensing Commission as part of the license approval, that the kitchen is to remain open for the full hours of operation of the restaurant and that waitresses/waiters must be present for the serving of the requested food from the menu choices.

Copies of the proposed regulations can be found on the town’s website at http://www.eastlongmeadow.org/Selectmen/selectmen.htm under Press Releases. Any resident unable to attend the hearing may forward written comments to the Selectmen’s Office, 60 Center Square, East Longmeadow, Massachusetts prior to this December 3, 2003 Hearing.

Proposed rules and regulations for Common Victualers within the Town of East Longmeadow

1. The issuance of any new, transfer or renewal of a Common Victualer or Innholder License shall be subject to compliance with the Town’s Zoning By-laws and General By-laws.

2. Common Victualer and Innholder licensees shall at all times provide suitable food, as herein after defined, on the licensed premises for strangers and travelers and shall have the necessary implements and facilities for cooking, preparing and serving food to said strangers and travelers. In addition, the licensee must have their kitchen open and that wait staff must be available to serve patrons during the hours of operation.

3. An innholder shall provide on the licensed premises suitable rooms with beds and bedding for lodging of his guests.

4. “Suitable Food” shall mean such food as is set forth in the menu submitted as part of the license application for a common victualer or innholder license and specifically approved by the license commission as part of the license approval.

5. The license commission shall specifically determine in approving any application for a common victualer or innholder license, whether a new, transfer or renewal, that the food and food type (breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner) listed on the menu are suitable food and the hours of operation that are appropriate.

6. The holders of a common victualer or innholder license may change the specific items listed on the menu approved by the commission during the current year without the prior approval of the commission, provided a written copy of the change in the menu is forwarded to the commission before it is to take effect. If the commission objects to the change it shall notify the licensee in writing that the change is disapproved. Until such disapproval is received by the licensee he may serve food from the amended menu.

7. Violation of any state, federal or local law, rule or regulation may result in the suspension, modification or revocation of any license issued by the license commission.