Every so often it seems, certain members of the Salem City Council can't help but cast an envious eye on their colleagues in Peabody where businesses can't pour a cup of coffee, never mind offer alcoholic beverages, without council approval.
One might be able to make the case for such strict oversight if developers were flocking to downtown Peabody and shunning Salem in the search for business opportunities. But, in fact, the opposite is the case.
The Peabody City Council's exercise of its special-permitting authority has made a shambles of the effort to revitalize that city's central business district; while a mile down the road more reasonable restrictions have allowed Salem's to thrive, even in the midst of a flagging economy.
All of which makes the latest effort by Ward 2 Councilor Michael Sosnowski to require council permission for alcohol sales on the Salem Common ill-advised at best.
There are already two agencies — the Park and Recreation Commission and Licensing Board — that must give their blessing in order for alcohol to be consumed in city parks including the Common. There's no need for a third, except for the fact it would allow councilors like Sosnowski to score points with groups like the Salem Common Neighborhood Association, which is backing his proposal.
Salem, unlike Peabody, trusts appointed bodies like its Licensing Board, Planning Board and Board of Appeals to make decisions that are both within the law and serve the best interests of the community at large. That trust has served Salem well over the years and councilors should keep that in mind when they meet in September to further consider Sosnowski's proposed ordinance.
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