Massachusetts Senate Bill S2553

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/10/25
• Refer: 7/10/25

Caption

Authorizing the town of Berkley to grant additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises

Impact

The bill represents a modification of Chapter 138 of the General Laws of Massachusetts, specifically amending the restrictions within that chapter regarding the issuance of additional licenses. Currently, the existing law limits the number of licenses a municipality can distribute for the sale of alcohol, and this bill seeks to provide Berkley with the authority to exceed that limit under specified conditions. This flexibility may lead to increased revenue streams for the town as it facilitates more establishments to sell alcohol, potentially boosting local tourism and dining experiences.

Summary

Bill S2553, titled 'An Act authorizing the town of Berkley to grant additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises,' aims to allow the local government of Berkley to issue up to five additional licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages. This comes in the context of the town's zoning regulations, specifically allowing these licenses to be granted within the General Business District as determined by the town's zoning map. The provisions aim to bolster the local economy by enabling businesses in this zone to serve alcoholic drinks to patrons on-site.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from both public opinion and existing state regulations governing alcohol sales. There could be concerns expressed by community members regarding the implications of more establishments serving alcohol, such as increases in noise, traffic, or instances of public intoxication. While proponents may argue that more licenses can lead to a thriving local economy, opponents may emphasize the need for caution and control over alcohol distribution to protect community standards and safety.