Bill > H370

This bill modifies Massachusetts liquor licensing laws by removing existing caps on the number of liquor licenses cities and towns can issue. Specifically, the legislation eliminates previous restrictions that limited the number of licenses a municipality could grant. Under the new provisions, cities and towns (except Boston) can determine their own number of alcoholic beverage licenses, but must adopt a municipal plan approved by the mayor, city council, or board of selectmen to grant additional licenses after January 1, 2022. The plan must include at least one public hearing and requires notification to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. The bill also mandates that the local governing body must hold a public hearing on any license application within 30 days of its submission. These changes provide more flexibility for local governments in managing alcohol sales licenses while maintaining a structured approval process to ensure community input and oversight.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H370