Hingham Select Board Approves 11 Alcohol Licenses for Summer and Fall Events

HINGHAM — June 16, 2026 — Hingham Select Board approves 11 brewery licenses and issues emergency water ban alert at June 16 meeting. Chair Liz Klein and Member Julie Straley voted unanimously to grant special one-day wine and malt beverages licenses to Vitamin Sea Brewing LLC, Stellwagen Beer Company LLC, and Widowmaker Brewing Company Inc. for a series of events at World's End and Weir River Farm running from June 20 through September 26, including the July 2 All-American Picnic at Hingham Harbor, expected to draw 3,500 to 5,000 attendees. Event organizer Marco, representing the Harbor Development Committee, called the town's permitting process an obstacle, saying "there's a prevailing view that Hingham is closed for business." The board also granted a limousine license to new child-focused shuttle service Loop Shuttle, with Klein recused. Town Administrator Tom read a total outdoor water ban — effective immediately for Hingham, Hull, and North Cohasset — citing critically low reserves in the Turkey Hill and Ackwood Pond tanks. Finance Director Katie reported a $296,344 fair share amendment grant for snow and ice remediation, approved by Governor Healy and expected before fiscal year-end, along with a $50,000 property insurance savings for FY27.