I am writing to express my concern about the recent proposal regarding sale of beer and wine at Watertown’s Faire on the Square.
I don’t know if a decision on this proposal has already been approved by the Licensing Board. But whether or not that has happened, I am strongly opposed to this. Faire on the Square has always been a very special time for families. Children of all ages gather to have loads of fun, and young and old alike enjoy strolling past the many tables and booths, playing games, and learning about the richness of all that Watertown has to offer.
Given the serious problem of addiction that Watertown and surrounding communities face – both opioid and alcohol abuse – I cannot fathom why any town official would seek to encourage outdoor, day-time drinking at our Saturday Faire. I believe this sends a completely wrong message to our children and their families. I am a moderate alcohol drinker, so have no particular objection to drinking of alcoholic beverages. But I believe this is truly inappropriate at an outdoor, public, town-sponsored, family-oriented event.
I ask, no matter what stage this particular decision finds itself in, that this proposal be retracted. Please keep our beloved celebration alcohol-free!
Sue-Ellen Hershman-Tcherepnin
Watertown Resident
New Entertainment, Food and Drink Offerings Coming to 2018 Faire on the Square
The writer’s concern is misplaced. Serving beer and wine does not undermine so-called family values. In fact, alcoholic beverage service might broaden the Faire’s marketing appeal to adults who would enjoy having a beer or wine to accompany the selection of foods available. Offering alcohol service also recognizes the town’s demographic change away from narrow provincialism.
I agree with Sue-Ellen Hershman-Tcherepnin that serving wine and beer at Faire on the Square is a bad idea. And as she says, “this is truly inappropriate at an outdoor, public, town-sponsored, family-oriented event.”
I don’t buy Sue-Ellen’s argument. There is nothing inappropriate about serving beer and wine at a public event – quite the opposite. We can take Germany, France or all of Europe as an example. It’s time for Watertown to move away from these absurd puritan traditions.
If young people observe responsible adults drinking in moderation, this could help them understand that this is possible and acceptable. There will be outdoor cafes at the new Arsenal Yards with alcoholic drinks available. Do you want to ban them too? We need to stop the people who are trying to control everyone’s lives. Let people be free to enjoy their lives.
Since this is primarily a morning and early afternoon event, what’s the reason for serving alcohol in the first place? I don’t see any good reason for changing an event and a tradition that is popular and well-attended. It’s a real community celebration … it’s hard to see how it gets better with beer and wine. I say keep it simple … and alcohol free.
I agree with Sue-Ellen Hershman-Tcherepnin that alcohol should not be served at a family oriented Faire on the Square. I do not see any valid arguments to allow it. Alcohol is not needed to have “fun” and our children should know that. If responsible drinking is to be learned it should taught at home, just as the idea that alcohol is not necessary to have fun should be taught everywhere. If people need alcohol they will not attend, there are many places to obtain alcohol but this should not be one of them.