Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H4355

Introduced
8/7/25  

Caption

Relative to the responsible sale of alcoholic beverages

Impact

If passed, H4355 will amend chapter 138 of the General Laws of Massachusetts, establishing stricter requirements for alcohol sellers. This change seeks to ensure that those in the alcohol retail business are better educated about their responsibilities, thus potentially reducing incidents of underage drinking and ensuring that intoxicated persons are not sold alcohol. The state anticipates a positive ripple effect on public health and safety by enforcing these educational requirements.

Summary

House Bill 4355, titled 'An Act relative to the responsible sale of alcoholic beverages', aims to enhance the regulations surrounding the sale of alcoholic drinks in Massachusetts. The bill mandates that all licensees and their employees involved in the sale of alcoholic beverages complete an instructional training program. This program must be approved by the relevant commission and is to be completed at least every three years. Key aspects of the training will cover state statutes regarding the sale of alcohol and focus on preventing illegal sales to minors and intoxicated individuals.

Contention

Although the primary aim of H4355 is to bolster responsible alcohol sales, there may be opposition concerning the additional burden placed on businesses, particularly small establishments that may find the training requirements onerous or costly. Discussions may arise around the balance between enforcing responsible sales and ensuring that small businesses are not disproportionately affected by increased regulatory obligations. Stakeholders in the liquor industry may call for considerations around flexibility in meeting these training requirements.

Companion Bills

MA H344

Replaces Relative to the responsible sale of alcoholic beverages

Previously Filed As

MA H4477

Relative to termination of sales to wholesalers by suppliers of alcoholic beverages

MA S1860

Relative to the fair taxation of alcoholic beverages

MA S2859

Relative to the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the town of Topsfield

MA H4867

Authorizing the town of Holliston to grant an additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages

MA H4688

Authorizing the town of Palmer to grant additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages

MA H5095

Authorizing the town of Marshfield to grant additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages

MA H4990

Authorizing the town of Sherborn to grant 1 additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises

MA H272

Relative to alcoholic beverage containers

MA H5093

Authorizing the city of Salem to convert the annual license for the sale of wine and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises pursuant to chapter 75 of the acts of 2008 to an annual license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises

MA H4992

Authorizing the town of Fairhaven to grant an additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.