State Representatives Call for ABC Inquiry; Sage Charges Favoritism

Two state representatives demanded investigation of the Alcoholic Beverages Commission yesterday, while local package store E. R. Sage Company has implied in a superior court appeal that political considerations have influenced the action of the State Board.

Representative Richard A. Reuther (D-Williamstown) charged that the State Board has overridden local boards and local zoning laws. Officials of Lexington, Newton, and Billerica also lodged complaints against the A.B.C. Representative James C. Bayley (R-Boston) meanwhile filed a bill calling for a seven-man commission to carry on an investigation and report on the A.B.C. by May 1, 1953.

Reuther demanded that actions of the A.B.C. be investigated in the light of recent complaints, while Bayley's bill would allow local boards to appeal directly to the Superior Court and not have to appeal to the A.B.C. itself, as the present law stipulates.

Sage's claims that the A.B.C. refused to give it a license, while granting one to Stanley L. Moriarty, recently reappointed to a post in the State Treasurer's office.