Bill > H4814

This bill authorizes the town of Westwood to grant licenses for selling all alcoholic beverages (not to be consumed on-site) to food stores, specifically defining "food store" as a grocery store or supermarket with at least 20,000 square feet of retail floor space that sells food and other typical grocery items. The bill requires these food stores to carry a range of products including fresh and processed meats, dairy, produce, baked goods, and other essentials, and explicitly excludes convenience stores, specialty stores, and gas stations. The select board will have the authority to determine whether an applicant qualifies as a food store by considering factors like sales volume and merchandise range. The bill also establishes licensing conditions, including that the licensing authority cannot transfer licenses to new locations but can grant them to new applicants who provide letters from the department of revenue and unemployment assistance showing good standing and paid taxes. If a licensee terminates or fails to renew their license, the license must be physically returned to the licensing authority, which can then grant it to a new applicant under the same conditions. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (Joint)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4814