Two-buck chucked in Cambridge: Trader Joe’s to cease alcohol sales at store
Cambridge-area shoppers accustomed to picking up cases of two-buck Chuck from the Trader Joe’s on Memorial Drive might want to stock up now. During a hearing held Wednesday by the city’s liquor licensing commission, the grocery store made the first steps toward transferring its liquor license to another local retailer. Sales of beer and wine at the Cambridge store will cease on Oct. 1.
Kenya Friend-Daniel, Trader Joe’s spokesperson, said the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission restrictions influenced the company’s decision to divest its license at the Memorial Drive location. “By law in Massachusetts we are only allowed seven liquor licenses,” she said.
The transfer application will shift ownership of the liquor license from the grocery store to a nearby specialty food shop, Salt & Olives, at 1160 Massachusetts Ave. The shop’s owner, Mary Taylor, said Wednesday’s hearing began a process that could last several weeks, as the transfer must get state approval and go before the Cambridge zoning board before it is finalized.
