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H 4473

An Act authorizing the select board of the town of Arlington to place upon a town ballot a question to increase the number of licenses for all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Cindy Friedman and 2 co-sponsors

Allows Arlington voters to decide via ballot whether to increase off-premises alcohol retail licenses in the town.

Hearing rescheduled to 10/01/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:00 PM in B-2 and Virtual Hearing location changed
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Bill Summary · H 4473

Legislative bill overview

H 4473 authorizes Arlington's town government to ask voters whether they want to increase the number of off-premises alcohol licenses (such as liquor stores and grocery stores selling alcohol for takeout). This is a local-option bill that grants the select board the power to hold a ballot question, not an automatic license increase.

Why is this important

Off-premises alcohol licenses are typically capped by state law in Massachusetts municipalities. This bill would allow Arlington residents to directly decide whether to expand access to packaged alcohol sales in their community, potentially affecting local business competition, tax revenue, and public health outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Public health concerns: Opponents may worry that more licenses increase alcohol availability and consumption rates, particularly affecting youth access and alcohol-related harms
  • Business interests: Existing license holders may oppose expansion due to reduced profit margins and market competition; new retailers may support it
  • Local control precedent: Debate over whether individual towns should have flexibility in alcohol licensing versus statewide uniform standards

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

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