Something’s brewing in Penobscot
‘Once crossed, a line cannot be uncrossed’ when it comes to allowing a pub in Penobscot, writes a resident
Oct. 13, 2026
By Michele Barber
At the public hearing held Oct. 10 at the Penobscot Fire Department, several warrant issues were planned for discussion and a vote. But the item that created the biggest buzz was to address whether or not the once formerly dry town of Penobscot would now vote to allow the state to issue a liquor license for a local proprietor to open the town’s first pub permitting on premise liquor service.
Even before the meeting began, the apprehension of a rushed vote on this sensitive and divisive issue was palpable. After all, the proprietor had only presented their request to the Select Board on September 22 (as evidenced by their Meeting minutes). Just two days later, the town posted on its website a notice for the Special Town Hearing. While printed notices had also been posted, several residents voiced their concerns of having seen no notification of the vote until a friend alerted them. Yet there we were, facing down the possibility of a seriously consequential vote, just 18 days after an individual had requested a drastic change to the historic precedent at work in Penobscot.
Thanks to The Rising Tide’s Oct. 7 article entitled “Penobscot to consider clearing path for town’s first pub”, the background details prefacing the proposed 10/10 vote were revealed. It was there I first learned that Penobscot had remained a dry town for almost a century, from Prohibition until 2019, when this same sole proprietor had requested and received a liquor license to sell alcohol in sealed containers. Now, just a few years later, the town residents are being asked to remove even more longstanding restrictions to usher in a new modern age for our historic community. This revelation caused my heart to ache for the protection of the traditionally preserved way of life in Penobscot.
With more than 200 years of rooted growth, Penobscot has developed into a unique rural haven far removed from the sprawling congestion of other towns striving to be carbon copies of each other. Its coveted quiet charm, neighborly camaraderie, and deep collective heart strengthen and solidify its character as it calls to those longing for peaceful continuity and dependable safety in which to raise a family or retire.
But every time a piece of Penobscot’s traditional uniqueness is cast aside, it weakens the foundation of the community. If we surrender what makes us different and special by repeatedly chinking the armor surrounding the unique heart and heritage of this cherished community, what will be left to keep Penobscot set apart? If we vote to usher in on premise liquor service, will we be embracing with open arms a beacon to strangers far and wide to come drink their limit before driving down our quiet unpatrolled rural roads? If yes, then what will we next embrace? A Family Dollar? A cannabis dispensary?
Once crossed, a line cannot be uncrossed. Penobscot’s unique historically preserved way of life is worth guarding. So to protect the social fabric of our peaceful community heritage and future, I urge you to vote against granting a liquor license for a pub in Penobscot.
And yes, there is still time to vote. Before the special meeting proceeded further, the Select Board announced that the promoted discussion and vote for the requested liquor license had not followed state protocol and would need to be rescheduled. So whether your heart yearns to preserve the historic character of Penobscot or is ready to hasten its conformity into just another town, there is still time for your voice to be heard. Choose wisely.
- Michele Barber is a resident of Penobscot.
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