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Bill

S 274

An Act authorizing the town of Marshfield to grant additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick O'Connor and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts bill authorizing Marshfield to grant additional alcohol retail licenses beyond current state limits to boost local business and tax revenue.

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 · S 274

Legislative bill overview

S 274 authorizes the town of Marshfield, Massachusetts to issue additional licenses for the sale of all types of alcoholic beverages beyond current state-imposed limits. The bill grants local discretion to expand the number of alcohol retail establishments in the municipality. This is a local-specific legislative action that applies only to Marshfield.

Why is this important

Alcohol licensing directly affects local commerce, tax revenue, and community character. Additional licenses could increase business opportunities and municipal tax income but may also intensify concerns about alcohol availability, public health impacts, and neighborhood disruption. The outcome depends heavily on how Marshfield implements any new licenses and what safeguards are established.

Potential points of contention

  • Local control vs. state limits: Massachusetts maintains statewide caps on alcohol licenses to regulate availability; this bill creates a carve-out that some view as undermining uniform state policy
  • Public health concerns: Expanded alcohol sales may correlate with increased consumption, drunk driving, and alcohol-related incidents, though evidence is mixed
  • Business and tax interests: Existing license holders may oppose competition, while new business applicants and the town may support revenue generation

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

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