Bill > H328

This bill establishes a new type of alcohol sales license called a "food store license" that allows grocery stores to sell wines and malt beverages under specific conditions. Stores seeking this license must be permanent establishments that regularly stock at least three of four staple food categories (fruits/vegetables, meat/fish, dairy, bread/cereal), dedicate no more than 35% of their customer sales area to alcohol display, and implement strict age verification policies. The bill creates a comprehensive framework for these licenses, including application processes, fees, and restrictions on sales hours and packaging sizes. Local licensing authorities can issue these licenses, with a limit on the number of licenses per city or town, and the state's Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission will oversee implementation. The bill also establishes a small business support grant fund to assist existing liquor stores potentially impacted by new food store licenses, and creates a working group to study the potential market effects of these new licenses. Additional provisions include allowing cooperative purchasing agreements between licensed establishments and mandating technological age verification methods. The bill aims to expand alcohol sales opportunities for food stores while maintaining strict regulatory oversight and protecting existing small business interests.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H328