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SD 2300

An Act authorizing the town of Cohasset to issue five additional licenses for the sale of alcohol to be drunk on the premises

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick O'Connor

Cohasset may issue five additional on-premises alcohol licenses beyond its normal quota, outside the license cap but within Chapter 138 framework.

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 2300

Summary: Senate Bill 2300 (SD 2300) – Cohasset Alcohol Licenses

Overview

SD 2300 is a local bill authorizing the Town of Cohasset to issue five additional licenses for the sale of alcohol to be consumed on the premises (on-premises licenses). The bill overrides the standard quota cap in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 138 for Cohasset, allowing the town to grant five extra licenses beyond its existing limits. The bill was introduced February 27, 2025, referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, and the House has concurred.

Purpose and Intent

  • To provide Cohasset with five additional on-premises alcohol licenses beyond the town’s existing quota.
  • To enable Cohasset to expand opportunities for on-site alcohol service (e.g., restaurants, bars) by adding new licenses.
  • To keep licenses governed by the framework of Chapter 138, with the key exception that Section 17 (the license quota cap) does not apply to these five licenses.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Authority to Grant Licenses

    • The town’s licensing authority may grant five (5) additional licenses for the sale of alcohol to be drunk on the premises.
    • These licenses are issued pursuant to Section 12 of Chapter 138 but are exempt from Section 17 (the license quota provision) of the same chapter.
    • In practice, Cohasset may issue five licenses beyond its normal limit, under the full framework of Chapter 138 except for the quota cap.

  • Section 2: License Cancellation and Reissuance

    • If any license granted under this section is cancelled, revoked, or no longer in use, it must be returned to the licensing authority with all associated rights and restrictions.
    • The licensing authority may grant the returned license to a new applicant at the same or a different location, or take other related action.

  • Section 3: Effective Date

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Affected Parties and Impact

  • Local Government: Cohasset’s licensing authority (land-use and business regulation within the town) gains the ability to issue five additional on-premises licenses.
  • Prospective Licensees: Businesses in Cohasset seeking to open or expand on-premises alcohol service would have access to up to five additional licenses.
  • Community/Public: Potential changes in local economy, dining, nightlife options, and related public safety considerations; actual impacts depend on whether and where licenses are issued.

Procedural Timeline

  • Filed: January 17, 2025
  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Referred to Committee: February 27, 2025 (Committee: Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure)
  • Status: House concurred (as of the provided updates)

Notes

  • This is a local authorization bill, modifying only Cohasset’s license framework within the general structure of Chapter 138.
  • If you’re evaluating potential effects, consider how five additional on-premises licenses could influence local business competition, restaurant capacity, and public safety resources.

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

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