Bill > H435

This bill amends Massachusetts law to clarify the rights and obligations of "successor suppliers" in the wholesale alcohol industry. A successor supplier is defined as any entity that acquires the right or obligation to sell branded items to licensed wholesalers, whether directly or indirectly. The bill stipulates that when a new supplier takes over selling branded items, they must honor the existing agreement between the original supplier and the wholesaler, including any commercial relationship (whether written or oral) that grants the wholesaler the right to sell branded items in Massachusetts. Importantly, all sales made prior to the succession will be attributed to the new successor supplier when determining if they have met the six-month regular sales requirement established in existing law. The bill also explicitly extends the existing legal protections that prevent suppliers from refusing to sell branded items to these successor suppliers, ensuring continuity and fairness in wholesale alcohol distribution. The language of the bill emphasizes that it should be interpreted broadly to protect the rights of wholesalers and maintain the remedial intent of the original law.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H435