Massachusetts House Bill H4006

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/7/25
• Refer: 4/7/25
• Refer: 7/17/25

Caption

Authorizing the town of Dartmouth to grant an additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises

Impact

If passed, H4006 would amend existing state laws under chapter 138 by allowing Dartmouth to bypass the constraints of section 17, which governs the issuance of such licenses. This will essentially give the town's licensing authority the discretion to increase the number of available licenses for off-premises alcohol sales. This change could lead to similar requests from other towns seeking similar legislative adjustments, potentially influencing local economic activity.

Summary

House Bill H4006 seeks to authorize the town of Dartmouth to grant an additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages that are not intended to be consumed on the premises. This legislation specifically targets Lofberg Market Place, LLC, also known as Farm and Coast Market, by permitting them to operate under this new license. The bill is framed as a means for local businesses to expand their service offerings and enhance customer convenience without compromising local laws related to alcoholic beverage sales.

Contention

One notable aspect of H4006 is its implication for community control over alcohol sales. While proponents may view it as a positive development for local economic growth, critics might worry about the ramifications of increased alcohol availability on public health and safety. Additionally, since the bill ties the licensing only to specific businesses, it may also raise questions about fairness and equal opportunity for other local merchants who may wish to obtain similar licenses in the future. Overall, the introduction of this bill signifies a response to local needs but may spark discussions on the balance between economic development and community concerns.