Bill > H178

This bill amends Chapter 138 of the General Laws to allow licensees with a valid license for off-premise consumption of malt beverages, even if they don't have an onsite brewery, to sell malt beverages for consumption off the premises, with several conditions. These conditions include that the malt beverages must be dispensed in non-clear glass bottles of 64 ounces, a deposit can be charged per bottle, and the bottles must be sealed by the licensee and meet federal and state labeling standards. Sales must include a time-stamped receipt, and the beverages must be consumed off-site. Sales are permitted during normal business hours but not between 9 p.m. and 11 a.m. Vendors must obtain written authorization from the malt beverage manufacturer, which can be revoked for violations. Additionally, a Bottle Exchange Program must be implemented for refilling growlers, and 80% of the taps at a retail location must carry products from Massachusetts breweries.