H 437
An Act returning liquor license control to municipalities
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- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill aims to return control over the issuance and regulation of liquor licenses to local municipalities in Massachusetts. Currently, the state government manages these licenses. This legislation would shift the authority back to cities and towns, allowing them to determine the number of licenses available and how they are distributed within their communities.
Key provisions
- Municipalities would regain control over liquor license issuance.
- The state’s role in regulating liquor licenses would be reduced.
- Local governments would have greater flexibility in managing alcohol sales within their boundaries.
- The bill seeks to return licensing authority to local control.
Who is affected
- Cities and towns in Massachusetts
- Liquor license holders
- Local governments
- Residents of Massachusetts
- The alcohol beverage industry
Notable changes
- Shifts authority over liquor licenses from the state to municipalities.
- Could lead to variations in alcohol regulations across different cities and towns.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joseph D. McKenna
Cosponsors
Jacob R. Oliveira
Joseph D. McKenna
Kelly W. Pease
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.437 194th (Current)
An Act returning liquor license control to municipalities
By Representative McKenna of Sutton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 437) of Joseph D. McKenna and Jacob R. Oliveira relative to returning liquor license control to cities and towns. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Joseph D. McKenna
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill H.437
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 5/5/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 05/12/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:00 PM in A-2 |
| 11/6/2025 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H4677 |
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