Bill > S279

This bill provides municipalities (cities and towns) with greater control and flexibility over liquor licensing by making several key changes to existing Massachusetts law. The legislation allows local governments to determine the number of alcoholic beverage licenses they wish to issue, requires cities and towns to adopt a formal plan for granting additional licenses that includes at least one public hearing, and mandates that local governing bodies hold a public hearing within 30 days of receiving a license application. The bill makes licenses issued after July 1, 2016, non-transferable and establishes new rules for license returns and reissuance, including requirements that licenses be physically returned to the licensing authority if a business closes or transfers ownership. Additionally, the bill includes a provision that allows cities and towns serviced by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's late-night service to potentially extend alcohol service hours if their local governing body accepts the provision. Starting January 1, 2018, municipalities can maintain their existing number of licenses or change them through their local governing process, effectively decentralizing liquor license control from state-level restrictions and giving more autonomy to local authorities.