WORCESTER—The city’s license commission is poised to discuss whether to allow a VIP amenity that permits patrons at bars and restaurants to buy bottles of alcohol to consume on the premises.
So-called bottle service has been against the commission’s rules for many years, but Mark Borenstein of Bowditch Attorneys said one of his clients has seen an increase in requests for the service.
Borenstein recently asked the commission to consider allowing bottle service and implementing rules similar to those in Boston for establishments that want to offer the service.
“Boston allows it with prior approval,” Borenstein said, adding that commissioners could set rules including how many patrons must be sharing the bottle and having a server designated to pour the drinks and monitor consumption.
The city does allow the purchase of wine and beer by the bottle, but other drinks, such as hard liquor, cannot be offered that way.
Bottle service is typically equated with customers who spend more, and with a younger crowd. It’s often requested by groups celebrating, as Borenstein suggested, at bachelorette or bachelor parties and other events.
He said the fact that the service is offered in Boston makes him sure Worcester would be able to do the same and it might encourage some revelers to “stay local.”
Borenstein said he understands that some might see bottle services as being a catalyst for excess drinking but also pointed out that laws applying to alcohol sales still apply and commissioners would have the chance to approve which establishments could offer the service.
“Responsible businesses could seek approval to offer bottle service,” he explained.
Commissioners have, in recent years, issued liquor license suspensions for some establishments found to be offering bottle service and Borenstein said there are still businesses finding creative ways around the rule.
Commissioners said they would speak with others in Inspectional Services and will likely set a date for a hearing during which residents and business owners can air their opinions on the topic.
Borenstein said he has found the commissioners to be “very deliberative” and he expects they’ll listen carefully to testimony before making a decision.
“It would be silly to reject it out of hand when they can look at Boston’s plan and they can have safeguards in place,” he said.
