An Act authorizing the city of Salem to convert 1 seasonal license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises to an annual license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises and to convert 1 seasonal license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises to an annual license for the sale of wine and malt beverages and cordials to be drunk on the premises

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Manny Cruz and 1 co-sponsor

Salem may convert two seasonal on-premises licenses to annual licenses: one for all alcohol and one for wine/malt/cordials, with location-specific restrictions and fees.

Summary of Bill HD 5275

Overview

HD 5275 is a local act proposed for the City of Salem. It would authorize the Licensing Authority to convert two existing seasonal licenses (for on-premises alcohol sales) into annual licenses, one for all alcoholic beverages and one for wine, malt beverages, and cordials. The bill targets two specific licenses currently issued to Salem businesses and sets conditions for transfer, fees, and administration. The bill is introduced in the 2025-2026 session and notes local approval.

What the bill would do

The Salem licensing authority may convert: 1) One seasonal license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises to an annual license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises (under Chapter 138, Section 12). 2) One seasonal license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises to an annual license for the sale of wine and malt beverages and cordials to be drunk on the premises (under Chapter 138, Section 12).

Both conversions would be subject to all Chapter 138 provisions except Sections 17 and 17A.

Licenses and locations affected

Amazing Pizza LLC d/b/a Amazing Pizza, 62 Wharf Street, Salem (conversion of its seasonal license to an annual all-alcohol license).

Maitland Farm LLC d/b/a Maitland Farm Kitchen and Spirits, 84 Derby Street, Salem (conversion of its seasonal license to an annual wine/malt beverages/cordials license).

Key provisions and conditions

Transfers: The license converted under either subsection cannot be transferred to a different location. It may be granted to a new applicant at the same location if the applicant provides letters from the Department of Revenue (DOR) and the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) showing the license is in good standing and all taxes/fees/contributions are paid.

If the converted license is canceled, revoked, or no longer in use at the original location, it must be returned to the licensing authority, which may then grant the license to a new applicant at the same location under the same conditions.

Fees: The city may charge a fee for the conversion, payable at issuance unless a contract allows payment in installments. If installment payment is chosen, the option must be available to all qualified applicants.

Use of excess funds: Any conversion fee greater than the annual renewal fee for a similar license must be deposited into Salem’s economic development account and used as permitted by that account.

Effective date

The act takes effect upon passage.

Who would be affected

The City of Salem (licensing authority and potential revenue).

The two license holders (Amazing Pizza and Maitland Farm Kitchen and Spirits) and any future applicants at the same locations.

Local consumers and the Salem business community, through changes in license type and potential operational implications.

Status and procedural notes

Introduced in 2025-2026 session; filed October 22, 2025; local approval indicated in the bill’s presentation. The act is described as a local approval bill contingent on local approvals.