By CHRIS COLLINS
(Montague, MA) — Montague officials are considering ways to ease the financial burden on bar owners unable to ply their trade during the pandemic.
The Montague Selectboard recently heard from Lew Collins, owner of the “Between The Uprights” sports bar in Turners Falls, who asked town officials to explore ways to ease the financial burden on bar and club owners who, at this point, will not be allowed to open until there is a vaccine or consistent treatment for COVID 19.
“This isn’t just about me and my business,” Collins said. “There are a lot of people that are hurting because of this.”
Montague Selectboard Chair Rich Kuklewicz said there may be ways to alter the town’s fee schedule to benefit struggling club owners.
“If an establishment is closed, maybe the town fees aren’t due until they open,” Kuklewicz said. “And then maybe we could give them 60 days or so to pay them. That’s just one idea.”
Town Administrator Steve Ellis said any relief would have to come solely from town fees, because state-issued fees for items like liquor licenses are not refundable. Kuklewicz said any system of relief would have to be consistent and fair for all those affected.