Bill > H4188

This bill authorizes the town of Westwood to grant alcohol sales licenses to large food stores, specifically those with a retail floor area of 20,000 square feet or more, despite existing state law restrictions. The bill defines a qualifying food store as a grocery store or supermarket that sells a comprehensive range of food items, including fresh and processed meats, dairy, produce, baked goods, and canned goods, but explicitly excludes convenience stores, specialty stores, and gas stations. The Select Board will determine store eligibility by evaluating factors like sales volume and merchandise range. Licenses will only be granted for stores in commercial zoning districts, and the sale of alcoholic beverages can be combined with other merchandise. The licensing authority will set fees for initial and renewal licenses and cannot transfer licenses to different locations or between licensees. If a license is cancelled or revoked, it must be returned to the licensing authority, which can then issue a new license to another applicant under the same conditions. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4188