Residents could find beer and wine at a State Road grocery store within the next three months.

As part of a $150,000 upgrade and renovation, Shaw's representatives proposed adding a beer and wine selection to its 15 State Road location at the May 22 Select Board meeting.

While the store is currently open Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m.-midnight, and Sundays, 7 a.m.-10 p.m., the Select Board approved its alcoholic merchandise to be sold Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sundays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

The new merchandise would occupy two aisles and end caps — equating to 2,227 square feet of floor space, said representatives. Additionally, the store would add a full-time liquor manager and about five new employees to work the department.

The Bridgewater-based chain presented more than 1,000 signatures in support of the addition. The signatures belonged to customers from Dartmouth, New Bedford, Acushnet, Freetown, and Fall River.

One neighboring resident argued against the renovation, fearing increased foot traffic and litter. He complained of the nip bottles and other trash left from Zully's Wine & Spirits' customers. That store has a New Bedford address, but is located in the same plaza (1240 Kempton Street).

Shaw's representatives said the beer and wine selection — which will not include nips or kegs — is meant to be a convenience to recurring customers, not to build traffic. They also promised routine cleanup of the grounds, as well as a bottle return on site.

Another nearby resident approved of the renovation. "Sounds good to me, and that way, it will come out of the house food budget, and not out of my booze budget,"he said.

The Select Board's main concern was preventing sales to underage customers.

Representatives explained that there will be security measures in place, including a metal gate that will wrap around the merchandise after hours; a POS system that requires a valid license to ring in the sale; and an immediate termination policy for anyone caught selling alcohol illegally, or allowing underage customers to leave with alcohol. Additionally, backstock will also be locked up and more training will be mandated, representatives said.

Following approval from the Select Board, the company will need to obtain approval from the state, and then return to the Select Board for the actual license. State approval could take four to 10 weeks, representatives said.

The chain currently holds beer and wine licenses in six other Massachusetts locations. It's last violation was in 2006, said representatives.

The store has served South Coast residents in that location for more than 50 years, representatives said.

Nearby competitors include BJ's Wholesale Club (Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.) and Cardoza's (Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-7:30 p.m.).