In light of the impact COVID-19 has had on the Section 12 licensees, at its October 27, 2020 meeting the Malden Licensing Board voted unanimously to waive 2021 renewal fees. Section 12 of Mass. General Laws, Chapter 138 regulates the sale of alcoholic beverages at dining establishments.
Mayor Christenson sent a letter of support to the Chair of the Licensing Board which stated “the positives are that our restaurants have shown an amazing resilience. I believe that as we start to build optimism there may be light at the end of the tunnel, there is some assistance that we as a City can give such as reducing some of their costs of doing business. To that end, I am respectfully requesting you consider the waiver of liquor licensing fees for calendar year 2021. Eliminating these fees for restaurants comes at a time when every dollar is critical and would truly make a difference.”
The City Council also unanimously voted on October 8, 2020 to “authorize the Malden Licensing Board to consider a one-time reduction in Section 12 license renewal fees for 2021 due to the impact of COVID-19” and approving a one-time reduction in 2021 Section 12 license renewal fees that the Malden Licensing Board in its discretion determines is appropriate.
The members of the Malden Licensing Board are grateful to City officials for their support of Section 12 licensees and hope that this will alleviate a small part of the financial stress that this pandemic has had on their businesses.