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H 5482

Amendment H.5482

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tom Walsh

A temporary pilot allows municipalities to test designated districts for public alcohol consumption, off-premises sales, and extended on-site hours through July 31, 2026, for evalu

Text of an amendment, see H5478
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Bill Summary · H 5482

Summary of Bill H.5482 (194th General Court, Massachusetts)

Purpose and intent

  • This bill proposes a temporary pilot program allowing municipalities to test changes in alcohol beverage sales and public consumption during summer 2026.
  • The pilot aims to evaluate off-premises sales, extended on-premises hours, and designated districts where the public may consume alcohol in public spaces in limited areas and time frames.

Key provisions and changes

  1. Definitions

  2. “Licensed establishment” is defined as any licensee authorized to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption under Chapter 138.

  3. Off-premises sales in designated districts (temporary)

  4. Local licensing authorities may, on a temporary basis, authorize licensed establishments to sell alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption within districts designated by the municipality.

  5. Only establishments located within designated districts may sell alcohol for off-premises consumption in those districts.

  6. Duration is limited to the pilot period (through July 31, 2026).

  7. Extended hours for on-premises sales (temporary)

  8. Licensed establishments may sell alcoholic beverages on-premises for one additional hour beyond their licensed hours, up to a maximum of 3:00 a.m., through July 31, 2026.

  9. Local licensing authorities must approve these extensions and may impose their own local rules, regulations, and license conditions.

  10. Designated districts for public consumption (temporary)

  11. Local authorities may designate one or more districts where alcohol may be consumed in public spaces, subject to restrictions deemed appropriate by the municipality.

  12. Public consumption within these districts is allowed only through July 31, 2026.

  13. Consumption in districts is limited to alcohol sold by participating licensed establishments within the district.

  14. Scope of alcohol categories

  15. A licensed establishment cannot sell a type or category of alcohol beyond what its current license authorizes under Chapter 138.

  16. Evaluation and reporting

  17. The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED), in consultation with the ABCC (Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission), the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, and the Department of Revenue, must report on the pilot’s implementation and outcomes.

  18. The report should cover:

    • Number and locations of designated districts.
    • Number of communities authorizing off-premises sales in districts.
    • Number of communities authorizing extended on-site hours.
    • Any evidence of changes in public safety incidents related to extended hours.
    • Observations related to economic development, public safety, and revenue/sales during the pilot.
    • Recommendations to improve outcomes.

  19. EOED must file a final report with the Senate and House clerks by December 31, 2026.

  20. sunsetting

  21. Sections 1–5 (the core pilot authorities) expire on July 31, 2026.

Affected parties and potential impact

  • Local governments (cities and towns): Granted temporary authority to designate districts, approve off-premises sales in those districts, and authorize extended hours for on-premises sales.
  • Licensed establishments (bars, restaurants, liquor stores with on-premises licenses): May participate in off-premises sales within designated districts and/or extended on-premises hours, subject to local approvals and license type.
  • Public safety and revenue entities: Will be impacted as the pilot collects data on safety incidents, economic activity, and tax/revenue outcomes.
  • General public: May benefit from greater flexibility in where and when alcohol can be consumed legally during the pilot period, within designated districts.

Timelines and procedural notes

  • Pilot duration: Through July 31, 2026.
  • Reporting deadlines: Interim data as part of the pilot; final EOED report due by December 31, 2026.
  • Sunset: The enabling provisions expire on July 31, 2026, unless extended or amended by subsequent legislation.

Observations

  • The bill emphasizes temporary, data-driven experimentation rather than permanent changes.
  • It centers on a controlled evaluation of public safety, economic impact, and revenue implications associated with extended hours and designated public-consumption districts.
  • Final decisions and potential policy changes would hinge on the EOED’s and related agencies’ findings.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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