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H 5339

An Act authorizing the town of Ashland to grant 10 additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jack Lewis

H 5339 authorizes Ashland to issue up to ten new on-premises licenses for sale and consumption of all alcoholic beverages on the licensed premises.

Read second and ordered to a third reading
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Bill Summary · H 5339

Bill Summary — H 5339 (194th Massachusetts Legislature)

Title

An Act authorizing the town of Ashland to grant 10 additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill authorizes the Town of Ashland to issue ten (10) additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises (i.e., on-premises consumption).
  • This expands Ashland’s capacity for on-site alcohol service beyond its current licensed supply.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Licensing authorization: Empowers Ashland to grant up to ten new on-premises alcoholic beverage licenses for establishments selling all alcoholic beverages (this typically includes beer, wine, and spirits, depending on existing state licensing categories in practice).
  • Scope of use: Licenses covered are specifically for sale of all alcoholic beverages to be consumed on the licensed premises (on-premises consumption).
  • Limitations and administration (implicit): The bill allocates the additional licenses to Ashland, subject to the town’s licensing processes and state law governing liquor licenses. It does not set a blanket statewide increase; it is a targeted authorization for Ashland.

Note: The bill description does not specify detailed criteria (e.g., whether licenses are transferable, the license type nuances, or fee schedules). It concentrates on authorizing up to ten additional on-premises licenses for Ashland.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Municipal government: Town of Ashland would administer and grant the up-to ten licenses, following existing local licensing procedures.
  • Businesses/Licensees: Prospective or existing restaurants, bars, or other on-premises alcohol-serving establishments in Ashland could obtain one of the ten new licenses (subject to compliance with local and state requirements).
  • Local economy and tourism: Potential effects include increased dining and nightlife options, potential economic activity and job creation tied to licensed on-premises alcohol service.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Committee activity:
    • April 9, 2026: Reported from the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure with a favorable recommendation; new draft identified (H425).
  • House action:
    • April 9, 2026: Bill reported favorably by the committee and referred to the House Steering, Policy and Scheduling.
    • May 4, 2026: Committee reported to place the matter in the Orders of the Day; Rules suspended; read second and ordered to a third reading.
  • Sponsor: Co-sponsor Jack Lewis.

Practical Considerations

  • The bill is narrowly targeted to Ashland and does not alter statewide licensing limits.
  • Local adherence to state liquor laws, including license issuance processes, fees, duration, renewal, and potential local bylaws, will determine the practical implementation and timing.
  • If multiple communities seek similar authorizations in the future, this bill serves as a legislative precedent for granting additional licenses to a specific town.

Bottom Line

H 5339 would empower the Town of Ashland to issue ten additional on-premises licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages, expanding opportunities for restaurants and bars to serve alcohol on site. The bill moves through the Massachusetts legislative process with favorable committee reports and standard house proceedings.

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

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