Massachusetts House Bill H3741

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/10/23
• Refer: 4/10/23
• Report Pass: 10/30/23
• Refer: 10/30/23
• Report Pass: 5/30/24
• Refer: 5/30/24

Caption

Authorizing additional licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in Boston

Impact

This legislation is set to impact local laws regarding the sale of alcohol in Boston, providing more flexibility for the Licensing Board to manage local venues and meet the demands of businesses seeking to operate in the city. By allowing additional licenses, the bill aims to support the local economy and enable businesses to thrive, particularly in areas where demand for alcoholic beverages is high. Furthermore, the structured distribution system ensures that licenses are available in specific neighborhoods, fostering local business growth.

Summary

House Bill 3741 seeks to authorize the city of Boston to issue additional licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages, specifically for consumption on the premises. The bill proposes the granting of up to three non-transferable restricted licenses for all types of alcohol and two for wines and malt beverages annually for a duration of five years. These licenses will be available in designated ZIP codes of Boston and will remain available until all allocated licenses are granted, allowing licenses not issued in any given year to roll over into the next year.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding HB 3741 may include concerns about over-saturation of alcohol-selling establishments in certain neighborhoods, which could lead to increased public safety issues and the need for additional regulatory oversight. Critics may argue that this bill could complicate enforcement of alcohol-related regulations or lead to negative community impacts, while supporters may emphasize the economic benefits of allowing more businesses to offer alcohol sales. The balance between fostering business growth and maintaining community standards will likely be a significant discussion point as the bill progresses.