An Act authorizing municipalities to opt-in to a temporary pilot to extend the hours of liquor licenses and to allow for public consumption in designated districts in summer 2026
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Create an account to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to temporarily opt-in to a pilot program starting in summer 2026. During this pilot, licensed establishments could extend their alcohol sales hours by one hour, until 3:00 a.m., and designated districts could be established where public consumption of alcohol is permitted. Alcohol sold within these districts would be limited to beverages sold by participating businesses within those districts.
Key provisions
- Municipalities can choose to participate in a temporary pilot program.
- Alcohol sales hours can be extended by one hour for licensed establishments.
- Designated districts can be created for public alcohol consumption.
- Alcohol consumption is limited to beverages sold within designated districts.
- The pilot program runs from June 8, 2026, to July 31, 2026.
Who is affected
- Cities and towns in Massachusetts
- Alcoholic beverage establishments
- Consumers of alcoholic beverages
Notable changes
- Allows for extended alcohol sales hours beyond current license restrictions.
- Permits public consumption of alcohol in designated areas.
- Creates a temporary, pilot program with specific start and end dates.
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Text extraction is in progress. View the official source.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
3 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
Cosponsors
Christopher J. Worrell
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours