Hanson Select Board Approves Fetch Barbecue Liquor License, Moves to Fill School Seat

HANSON — December 2, 2025 — Hanson Select Board approves liquor license for Fetch Barbecue and prepares to fill a school committee vacancy by December 16. The board voted unanimously Tuesday to grant an all-alcoholic beverage license to Southern Eats LLC, doing business as Fetch Barbecue, a popular Southern-style restaurant already operating in town. The board also set December 16 as the deadline — required under the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District's regional agreement — to appoint a replacement for a recently resigned school committee member, with three applications already in hand; remaining Hanson school committee members Hillary Niffin, TJ Rafie, and Glenn DeGraio are expected to participate in the joint selection session. The returning Town Administrator reported a $422,993 chapter 90 and Eversource reimbursement for the West Washington roadway project and disclosed that Moody's has flagged the town's bond rating over delayed audit reports, prompting a search for a new audit firm. The board voted 2-1-1 to allow a nonprofit to place signs on limited town property for a Christmas tree sale while directing staff to consult town counsel on a formal sign policy.