Primary focus was on a liquor compliance issue with Danvas Cappies Inc., trading as Cappies Fine Wine and Spirits. An alcohol compliance check revealed that an underage sale had occurred when an 18-year-old was sold alcohol without providing identification. The manager, Virindra Patel, addressed the board, acknowledging the infraction and explaining that it was a deviation from their standard procedures due to a busy period. Patel reassured the board of corrective actions, including retraining employees to adhere strictly to ID-checking policies and employing a scanner to verify IDs, regardless of the customer’s perceived age. The board expressed concerns over the lapse, questioning the effectiveness of the current system and the measures in place to prevent a recurrence.

The board debated the appropriate sanction for the violation, weighing a suspension of the establishment’s license. While there was initial support for a three-day suspension held in abeyance, the decision ultimately favored a one-day suspension. This was due in part to the establishment’s prior good standing and the management’s proactive response to rectify the issue. The board’s vote ended with a split decision, favoring leniency in acknowledgment of the owner’s transparency and willingness to implement changes.

In a separate agenda item, the board approved a special event application for a historical march organized by the Danvers Historical Society. The march is set to take place on September 14, 2025, beginning at the Rebecca Nurse Homestead and ending at the corner of High and Cone Streets. This event aims to commemorate Benedict Arnold’s role in the Revolutionary War and honor the soldiers who camped in Danvers. David McKenna, representing the Historical Society, detailed the reenactment plans and expressed the need for town sponsorship to cover insurance, as their provider would not cover musket reenactments. The board expressed support, recognizing the significance of preserving local history and promoting community engagement.

Additionally, the board addressed several infrastructure-related matters, including the acceptance of streets as public ways and easement approvals. Streets such as Cadam Lane and Colony Drive were formally accepted. The board also approved utility easements for properties on Andover and Forest Streets, facilitating necessary sewer and water service installations.

Beyond these discussions, the board deliberated on an application from Connor’s Farm for extended operating hours during the holiday season. While the farm sought to extend its hours to 11:00 PM on certain dates, board members raised concerns about potential noise disturbances. After considering community feedback, which largely supported the farm’s request, the board approved the application with an emphasis on monitoring any potential issues.

In other business, the board reviewed the status of a liquor license previously held by a downtown restaurant, Unity, which closed in March. Questions arose about the future of the inactive license, and the board discussed procedures for license holders to declare their intentions or face the possibility of surrendering the license if inactive for six months.

The meeting wrapped up with updates from the town manager, including efforts to enhance public engagement through online meeting materials and community roundtables. The town manager also addressed ongoing negotiations with Republic concerning waste management services, expressing frustration with the current situation but assuring residents of continued trash collection by the local Department of Public Works.