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Despite alcohol concern, trunk or treat organizers stress safety

Children take part in the REMAX Executive Realty Charitable Foundation Trunk or Treat event last year. FILE PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Vice chair Matt Kizner was the sole opponent of a request included in the consent agenda of Tuesday’s Select Board meeting that would grant a temporary liquor permit to an upcoming trunk or treat event.

Kizner’s primary concern centered around serving alcohol at a charity event designed primarily for children. “We are ideally doing this for kids who may not otherwise have this opportunity,” he said. “To bring alcohol into the mix, for no other reason than to intoxicate adults, is to invite trouble.”

Prior to Kizner’s comments, chair Shahidul Mannan noted that Hopkinton Police raised similar concerns. “However, as there were no documented issues at last year’s event, if approved, [HPD] requires the same precautions be implemented,” he said.

Those precautions include separating the bar area from the children’s section of the event and clearly marking it as adults only, along with restricting the area where alcohol is served, strictly enforcing ID verification and maintaining responsible serving practices.

The REMAX Charitable Foundation is running the trunk or treat fundraiser on Wednesday at Resilience Fitness on South Street. Last year’s event also included alcohol, and Kizner brought up similar concerns when the matter came before the board then.

On Tuesday, Kizner worried that allowing the alcohol permit “sends the wrong message” and challenges the community’s values. “What is the purpose of a trunk or treat where I’m trying to protect children if I’m actively intoxicating the adults at the same time?” he asked.

The Select Board approved the permit 4-1.

In a statement to the Independent, organizer and realtor Kellie Dow confirmed the beer garden at last year’s trunk or treat did not cause issues. “This event proved a safe, effective and fun way to drive community engagement last year, without incident,” she stated.

Dow added that the purpose of serving alcohol is to add to “the community feel and overall enjoyment of this event,” noting that town fairs and festivals employ similar approaches.

“Our priority is making sure everyone feels welcome and safe,” Dow added, stressing how the funds raised help the REMAX Charitable Foundation provide grants for local families.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

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Photo of the Day

A sunset lights up Main Street in an array of colors on a recent day.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO