City waives fees for liquor license holders; cites impacts of Covid

The Melrose Liquor Licensing Commission voted Nov. 3 to waive 2021 renewal fees for licenses, which regulate the sale of alcohol at dining establishments, social clubs, and boutique shops. All three commissioners voted in favor, with support from the Chamber of commerce and others.

“Our local businesses are an essential part of what makes our community such a special place,” Mayor Brodeur said. “I am pleased that the Commission agreed with my request to offer our liquor license holders some relief during this extremely challenging time.”

This move stands to help Melrose’s social clubs, restaurants, and retail food establishments. Licenses are renewed on an annual basis, and the Commissions’ action applies only to this upcoming year.

“The support of the Melrose community during this time has been tremendous, but every little bit helps,” Rich Talieri, proprietor of Giacomo’s Ristorante said. “I’m grateful to the Commission and Mayor Brodeur for taking this step.”

“The Chamber strongly believes that our restaurants, recreation venues and specialty retail shops are essential to Melrose’s local economy and to ensuring the continued vibrancy of our business districts,” Lauren Grymek, Executive Director of the Melrose Chamber of Commerce said.

"This is a sincere gesture and demonstrates to our local business license holders that we want to support them in these difficult times," Joe Nevin, Chair of the Commission, said.  "While our fees are not significant individually, in this market every dollar counts and will directly benefit their businesses, employees and our community."