H 4281
An Act relative to successor supplier laws and the termination of sales to wholesalers of alcoholic beverages
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Bill overview
This bill clarifies and expands ‘successor supplier laws’ related to the sale of alcoholic beverages to wholesalers in Massachusetts. It defines a ‘successor supplier’ as anyone who takes over a supplier’s right or obligation to sell a branded product to a licensed wholesaler. The bill requires successor suppliers to be bound by existing agreements between the original supplier and the wholesaler, and attributes prior sales to the successor for determining if six months of regular sales have been met.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘successor supplier’ as someone acquiring a right or obligation to sell to a wholesaler.
- Requires successor suppliers to be bound by existing agreements.
- Attributes prior sales to the successor supplier for sales threshold calculations.
- Applies these rules to sales of alcoholic beverages.
- Specifically addresses agreements between suppliers and wholesalers.
- Clarifies the scope of ‘successor supplier’ laws.
- Ensures continuity of sales agreements.
- Mandates adherence to existing sales agreements.
Who is affected
- Wholesalers of alcoholic beverages
- Suppliers of alcoholic beverages
- Consumers of alcoholic beverages
- The Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission
- Legal professionals involved in alcohol sales
Notable changes
- Expands the definition of ‘successor supplier’ to include indirect acquisitions of rights or obligations.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Cosponsors
John J. Mahoney
Michael J. Moran
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Bill H.4281 194th (Current)
An Act relative to successor supplier laws and the termination of sales to wholesalers of alcoholic beverages
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Sponsor: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
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Bill History Amendments Cosponsors Committee Summary
Bill History
Displaying 8 actions for Bill H.4281
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 7/23/2025 | House | Reported from the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure |
| 7/23/2025 | House | New draft of H435 and H445 |
| 7/23/2025 | House | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling |
| 7/28/2025 | House | Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting |
| 7/28/2025 | House | Rules suspended |
| 7/28/2025 | House | Read second and ordered to a third reading |
| 11/18/2025 | House | Read third |
| 11/18/2025 | House | Amended by substitution of bill with the same title, see H4764 |
Similar Bills
H.4764 194th (Current)
An Act relative to successor supplier laws and the termination of sales to wholesalers of alcoholic beverages
H.445 194th (Current)
An Act relative to termination of sales to wholesalers by suppliers of alcoholic beverages
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