At Stoneham's January 9 Board of Selectmen meeting, Town Planner Erin Wortman proposed a Town Meeting initiative that would reduce the current liquor license's 50 seat minimum to 35.
The reduction in seating provides both current Stoneham restaurant owners as well as prospective restaurateurs, increased flexibility to respond to the fast-paced changes in dining demands. Wortman believes this reduced seating requirement will help to draw a greater variety of restaurants to Stoneham.
Town Administrator Tom Younger added his support, noting that "it will encourage more of the boutique eateries that go after beer and wine licenses. It makes for a livelier and more vibrant community".