Bill > H1688

This bill amends existing Massachusetts law, specifically Chapter 136, Section 16 of the General Laws, which governs the hours of operation for retail stores on certain holidays. The key change is that stores selling goods at retail will now be permitted to open at any time on Sundays, Memorial Day, July Fourth, and Labor Day, and will also be allowed to sell all types of goods and foodstuffs, except for alcoholic beverages, on these days. While stores are still restricted from opening before 5 o'clock in the forenoon on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving Day, this bill introduces a specific provision for the day following Thanksgiving, allowing stores to open at any time and sell alcoholic beverages if otherwise permitted by law, with the added protection that no employee can be required to start work before 4 o'clock in the forenoon on that day. This section of the law will take precedence over any conflicting general or special laws.