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H 4561

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joan Meschino

Authorizes Cohasset to issue five new on-premises alcohol licenses limited to three zoning districts, to bolster local dining, hospitality, and jobs within those zones.

Read second and ordered to a third reading
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Bill Summary · H 4561

Summary: H.4561 – Act authorizing the town of Cohasset to grant five additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises

Overview

House bill H.4561 would authorize the town of Cohasset to issue five additional on-premises alcohol licenses (for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises) limited to specified economic development zones. This is a local option measure, subject to conditions set by Cohasset’s licensing authority and consistent with Chapter 138 of the General Laws, except for the limitation in Section 17 that is being overridden to allow these new licenses within defined zones.

What the bill would do

  • Allows Cohasset to grant five new licenses for on-premises alcohol service.
  • Licenses must be issued to establishments located within Cohasset’s designated zones and clearly labeled on the face of the license as Village District, 3A Commercial District, or Harbor District.
  • Licenses must be exercised in the dining room of a common victualler (and other public spaces as deemed reasonable by the licensing authority).

Geographic scope and labeling

  • The five licenses can only be granted to establishments within Cohasset’s three designated zones:
    • Village District
    • 3A Commercial District
    • Harbor District
  • The zones are defined by Cohasset’s zoning map: “Town of Cohasset Massachusetts Zoning District Map September 2024,” adopted June 5, 2024 (on file with the town clerk).

Licensing rules and operations

  • Licenses would be issued under Section 12 of Chapter 138, with Section 17 of Chapter 138 effectively not applying to these new licenses.
  • Transfers: Licenses may not be transferred outside the initial zoned area. They may be transferred to a new applicant within the initial zone if the applicant provides:
    • A letter from the Department of Revenue (DOR) and a letter from the Department of Unemployment Assistance indicating good standing and that taxes/fees/contributions are paid.
  • Termination or non-renewal: If a license terminates, is cancelled, revoked, or not in use, it must be returned to the licensing authority, which may grant a new license under the same conditions.

Issuance timeline and effectiveness

  • All licenses granted under this act must be issued within five years after the act’s effective date. Licenses granted within that period may be reissued to new applicants later under the same procedures.
  • Section 2 states the act takes effect upon passage.

Procedural status and legislative actions

  • Status: Read second and ordered to a third reading; reported favorably by the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure; local approval received.
  • Introduced: October 2, 2025
  • Sponsorship: Joan Meschino (with co-sponsorship noted)
  • Recent actions: Committee reported the bill to be placed on the Orders of the Day and rules suspended on October 23, 2025, continuing to advance through the Legislature.

Potential impact

  • Enables Cohasset to expand on-premises alcohol service within targeted districts, potentially supporting local economic development, hospitality, and employment.
  • Keeps tight geographic and operational controls to align with zoning and town planning goals.
  • Creates a structured pathway for license transfer and renewal within the designated zones, with compliance checks from state agencies.

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

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