Bill > S127

This bill modernizes business licensing by granting local authorities more discretion in exempting certain businesses from licensing requirements. Specifically, it allows cities and towns serviced by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), a public transportation agency, to permit businesses to operate beyond certain hours if the local governing body accepts this provision. It also enables licensing authorities to exempt "innholders" (people who provide lodging) and "common victuallers" (establishments that serve food) that do not serve alcohol from licensing, and to exempt businesses with billiard, pool, or sippio tables, bowling alleys, and automatic amusement devices from specific licensing rules. Furthermore, mayors or selectmen can set maximum capacity limits for establishments, below which certain licensing requirements will not apply, and local licensing authorities can exempt fortune tellers from licensure.