Bill > H4597

This bill amends Chapter 138 of Massachusetts General Laws by adding a new section (Section 16D) that restricts the issuance of off-premises alcoholic beverage retail licenses after 2026. Specifically, the bill prohibits issuing a new license for selling alcohol off-premises if the proposed location is within 500 feet of another existing off-premises alcohol retailer, unless the local licensing authority conducts a hearing and determines in writing that the new premises will not be detrimental to public health, safety, and community welfare. The bill does provide one exception: a license can be transferred within the 500-foot radius to another location within that same area. Additionally, the bill ensures that any applicant who is denied a license under these new provisions has the right to appeal the decision under existing legal procedures. The purpose of this bill appears to be limiting the concentration of off-premises alcohol retailers in close proximity to each other, potentially to reduce potential negative community impacts or oversaturation of alcohol sales locations.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4597