Kensington ponders beer, wine sales

When Kensington residents vote in the June 7 town council election, they also will be polled about their views on expanding beer and wine sales in town, a referendum some say could bring new life to small businesses, The Gazette reports.

Prior to 2007, alcohol sales of any kind were prohibited within town limits. That year, state lawmakers — at the behest of the Kensington Town Council — passed legislation allowing the Montgomery County Board of License Commissioners to issue alcoholic beverage licenses to restaurants in the business district.

In 2009, the area where alcohol sales are permitted was expanded to portions of Connecticut Avenue, Howard Avenue, University Boulevard, Dupont Avenue, and several other streets that featured eateries near Town Center.

The town council is considering legislation that would permit off-site alcohol sales in those areas, a measure that would provide for beer and wine stores in Kensington.