An Act to ensure alcoholic beverages licensing economic opportunity and geographic equity
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to promote economic opportunity and geographic equity in the licensing of alcoholic beverages in Massachusetts. Specifically, it restricts the issuance of new alcohol licenses within a 500-foot radius of existing premises selling alcohol for consumption on-site, unless a local licensing authority determines the new location won’t negatively impact the community. The law will apply to new licenses issued starting January 1, 2027.
Key provisions
- Limits the location of new alcohol licenses to prevent clustering near existing establishments.
- Requires local licensing authorities to conduct a hearing and issue a written determination before approving a new license within the specified radius.
- Exempts license transfers from the distance restriction.
- Provides an appeal process for applicants denied a license under this new section.
- The law applies to new licenses issued on or after January 1, 2027.
Who is affected
- Alcohol beverage retailers
- Local licensing authorities
- Property owners seeking alcohol licenses
- Communities with existing alcohol establishments
Notable changes
- Introduces a geographic restriction on the location of new alcohol licenses.
- Requires a local hearing process for new license applications near existing establishments.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
2 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Cosponsor
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