The long road to wet

To the Editor,

In November 2016, a group of local residents formed Swarthmore21. These volunteers organized to support an end to restrictions on the sale of beer, wine, and spirits in Swarthmore, with the aim of helping the borough’s business district become more successful.

Over 1,100 signatures were collected, enabling a referendum to be placed on the May 16, 2017, ballot for a vote. The question posed was, “Do you favor the granting of liquor licenses for the sale of liquor in Swarthmore?”

The overwhelming yes vote (a 4-to-1 plurality) turned Swarthmore from “dry” to “wet.” As noted in a 2019 revitalization report prepared by the Swarthmore 2030 Task Force, this change was critical. As a result of that initial step, a “wet” wine bar and restaurant, Village Vine, recently opened, and the Swarthmore Co-op can now sell alcohol as well.

This note has a dual message. First, to Village Vine and the Co-op: Congratulations! Getting to this point hasn’t been easy for either of you … not easy at all. But you persevered. Thank you.

To the Swarthmore21 volunteers: You stood at the train station, in front of the Co-op, at waR3house3, and elsewhere, in the February snow and cold, gathering signatures; you knocked on doors to spread the word; you created media that clearly spelled out our message; and you helped get the vote out. Your time, energy, and efforts set the stage for what is now taking place. You made this possible.

All we can offer is a thank you. Be proud knowing that you helped this become reality, and that our goal of helping Swarthmore become better was achieved.

Again, thank you.

Patrick Francher and Vince Barrett
Swarthmore21 co-founders