Barrington will vote on alcohol policy 2017 

BARRINGTON-Residents from across Yates County and New York state will go to the polls, Tuesday, Nov. 7, to vote for their elected officials and answer questions related to state and local policy. Voting for candidates will occur on the front of the ballot, while questions appear on the back. In Barrington, along with the three statewide questions (constitutional convention, pension forfeiture and forest preserve land use, see related story on page 3) there will be three additional questions regarding alcohol licensing.

The additional questions for Barrington became relevant after a New York State Liquor Authority meeting Aug. 16, 2017. The Olney Place, represented by attorney Jessica Bryant and owner Seth Olney in New York City, were appealing to the board to resolve an ongoing issue regarding alcohol consumption in an addition (tap room) at The Olney Place market and deli. Before the board could address that concern, a bigger issue was uncovered. The Olney Place is located in the town of Barrington but has a Penn Yan mailing address. When the board was looking into the specifics of The Olney Place issue they discovered the difference between the physical location and the mailing address had allowed for approval of alcohol consumption more lenient than the town of Barrington allows.

The board found a local option was exercised Nov. 7, 1967 which allowed consumption at hotels or off-premises. The questions on Nov. 7 could change that.
There are three "yes/no" questions Barrington voters can answer on the ballot. The first, which is listed on the ballot as proposal number four, is for approval of a tavern alcoholic beverage license. It reads: "Shall a person be allowed to obtain a license to operate a tavern with a limited service menu (sandwiches, salads, soups etc.) which permits the tavern operator to sell alcoholic beverages for a customer to drink while the customer is within the tavern. In addition, unopened containers of beer (such as six-packs and kegs) may be sold to go for the customer to open and drink at another location (such as, for example, at his home)?"

The second question is listed as proposal number five and is for a restaurant alcoholic beverage license. It reads: "Shall the operator of a full service restaurant be allowed to obtain a license which permits the restaurant operator to sell alcoholic beverages for a customer to drink while the customer is within the restaurant. In addition, unopened containers of beer (such as six-packs and kegs) may be sold to go for the customer to open and drink at another location (such as, for example his home)?"

The third alcohol question is listed as proposal number six. It would renew the hotel option approved in 1967. It reads: "Shall the operator of a year-round hotel with a full service restaurant be allowed to obtain a license which permits the year-round hotel to sell alcoholic beverages for a customer to drink while the customer is within the hotel. In addition, unopened containers of beer (such as six-packs and kegs) may be sold to go for the customer to open and drink at another location (such as, for example, at his home)?"

On social media, Olney has urged supporters to vote yes for all three questions. There are also a number of yard signs that have been posted in Barrington asking to "repeal prohibition - vote yes on questions four, five and six."
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7.