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H 4006

An Act authorizing the town of Dartmouth to grant an additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Christopher Markey

Bill H 4006 allows Dartmouth to grant one extra license for off-premises sale of alcoholic beverages, boosting local business Lofberg Market Place and enhancing consumer options.

Signed by the Governor, Chapter 88 of the Acts of 2026
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Bill Summary · H 4006

Summary of Bill H 4006

Title: An Act authorizing the town of Dartmouth to grant an additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises

Bill Number: H 4006
Introduced: April 07, 2025
Status: Read third and passed to be engrossed
Filed On: March 17, 2025
Presented By: Representative Christopher M. Markey (9th Bristol)

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 4006 aims to authorize the town of Dartmouth to issue an additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages that are not consumed on the premises. This legislation is intended to expand the options for local businesses, specifically targeting Lofberg Market Place, LLC, which operates as Farm and Coast Market.

Key Provisions

  1. License Granting Authority:

    • The licensing authority in Dartmouth is permitted to grant one additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be consumed on-site, specifically to Lofberg Market Place, LLC, located at 7-9 Bridge Street.
  2. Regulatory Compliance:

    • The new license will be subject to all provisions of Chapter 138 of the General Laws, except for Section 17, which typically restricts the number of licenses issued.
  3. Transfer Restrictions:

    • The license cannot be transferred to another location. However, if the license is returned (due to termination, non-renewal, cancellation, or revocation), it may be granted to a new applicant at the same location within three years.
  4. Issuance Timeline:

    • The license must be issued within one year of the act's effective date. If granted within this timeframe, it can subsequently be issued to a new applicant under specified conditions.
  5. License Return Requirement:

    • Upon issuance of the new license, the licensee must return any existing license for the sale of wine and malt beverages not to be consumed on the premises.

Impact

  • Local Businesses: This bill primarily affects Lofberg Market Place, LLC, allowing it to expand its offerings and potentially increase revenue through the sale of alcoholic beverages.
  • Community: The bill may enhance the local economy by providing residents and visitors with more options for purchasing alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill has undergone several legislative actions, including:
    • Committee Hearings: A hearing was scheduled for June 2, 2025.
    • Committee Reports: The bill was reported favorably by the committee and referred to the House Steering, Policy, and Scheduling.
    • Final Passage: The bill was read third and passed to be engrossed on November 13, 2025.

Conclusion

Bill H 4006 represents a targeted legislative effort to support local businesses in Dartmouth by allowing for an additional license for the sale of alcoholic beverages not consumed on the premises. Its passage could lead to economic benefits for the community and enhance consumer choice.

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

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