Bill > H37

This bill amends Massachusetts alcohol licensing laws to create new provisions for temporary alcohol sales and auctions by charitable organizations. The bill allows local licensing authorities in cities and towns that have authorized alcohol sales to grant temporary licenses to nonprofit charitable corporations for selling alcoholic beverages to be consumed on-premises or through auctions. These temporary licenses can be issued for up to 10 consecutive calendar days, with each organization limited to 2 licenses per calendar year. The alcoholic beverages must be donated at no charge to the license holder, and the proceeds from sales must be used for charitable purposes. The bill provides different licensing scenarios, including standalone charitable organizations, joint applications with existing alcohol licensees, and auctions conducted by licensed auctioneers. The temporary licenses will have minimal fees and can be granted through local procedures, bypassing standard application processes. Additionally, the bill allows for limited on-site alcohol tastings during auctions, with strict serving size limitations. These changes are designed to provide more flexible fundraising opportunities for charitable organizations while maintaining regulatory oversight of alcohol sales.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H37