Friday December 21, 2012

ADAMS -- Val’s Pipe & Package will have its liquor license suspended for three days after the establishment failed a Nov. 9 alcohol compliance check performed by the Adams Police Department.

The selectman unanimously approved the motion to do so at Wednesday night’s Selectmen meeting. The compliance check was the business’ third failure. The business will have to come back before the board in six months following a probationary period.

Upon request by Val’s owner, Victor Lampiasi, the license suspension will begin on Jan. 1, 2013 and last until Jan. 3.

Lampiasi apologized to Selectman, saying he wasn’t at the store when the alcohol was sold and can’t explain why the employee didn’t card the underage person.

"We as a business do understand that we have made an error in judgment," he said. "We’re tying to do everything in our power to ensure this does not happen again."

Lampiasi told the board he had already implemented changes following the compliance check. A strict "No I.D., no sale" policy will require that all customers show identification when purchasing alcohol, tobacco and lottery tickets. Lampiasi has hung signs announcing the new policy to customers, along with signs for employees reminding them to check for identification. In addition, all employees will attend a Training for Intervention Procedures (TIPS) class on Jan. 2 at the American Legion.

Selectmen

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initially disagreed whether Lampiasi should have to report back to the full board every month during the probation or just at the end. Chairman Arthur Harrington said requiring him to come back at all was micromanaging how he should run his store. Anyone will know if the policies are being followed by future compliance checks, and anyone could go into the store themselves to see if the policy was being followed.

Selectman John E. Duval disagreed that requiring him to return was micromanaging.

"We need to let him know this is a major concern of ours," Duval said. "We don’t want this to happen again."

In other business, the Selectman voted to begin negotiations with Tesoro Farm LLC on leasing a portion of the Adams Memorial School known as Zone B, a cafeteria and kitchen space. The sub-committee formed by Town Administrator Jonathan Butler to handle request for bids for the school’s reuse, recommended the company, which makes the high-end marinara sauce Ooma Tesoro’s.

Butler listed several reasons why Tesoro Farm LLC was recommended. The company has a successful business model, he said, and the new space would allow them to realize their potential. The company also has the finances to rehabilitate the space into a commercial kitchen that will serve its needs, and will bring more jobs to the town.

The selectmen voted to approve a facilities request for the Adams Visitors Center. Kent Lemme of the Berkshire Running Center, has proposed a Ashuwillticook Rail Trail half marathon, to be held May 19.

"These events are very popular and attract hundreds of people," Butler said.

The half marathon would start at the Berkshire Mall parking lot in Lanesborough, proceed down the rail trail to Adams and finish at the visitor’s center. Butler said the runners would be treated with a "taste of Adams" festival at the center, which would be beneficial to downtown businesses. Butler said Lemme will handle logistics himself, but needed confirmation the space will be available.

To reach Edward Damon, email edamon@thetranscript.com.