An Act authorizing the town of Oxford to grant 2 additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Ryan Fattman and 2 co-sponsors

Oxford may issue up to two additional off-premises alcohol licenses but only within three targeted zones, with strict branding, transfer, and verification rules.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling

Summary of Bill H.5452 (194th Massachusetts General Court)

Purpose

authorizes the town of Oxford to grant two additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises (i.e., off-premises sales) within specific economic development zones. The bill adjusts licensing rules to allow targeted expansion while preserving local control and zoning constraints.

Key Provisions

Authorizes two additional licenses for off-premise sales of all alcoholic beverages, exempting them from the usual restriction in section 17 of chapter 138, but subject to section 15 of chapter 138.

Branding on licenses: each license issued under this act must be clearly marked with one of three designations—“Highway Interchange,” “Village Business,” or “General Business.”

Zoning limitations (Section 1(a)-(b)):

Licenses may be issued only for establishments located within three defined economic development zones in Oxford:
Highway Interchange zone (as shown on the town map)
Village Business zone (including Central Business and Central Professional zones)
General Business zone (northerly and southerly parcels abutting U.S. Route 20 within the mapped General Business area)
The relevant map is the town of Oxford’s Zoning Map dated April 29, 2026.

Transfer and eligibility controls (Section 1(c)):

Licenses may not be transferred outside the initial zoned area.
Transfers within the zoned area require verification: the applicant must provide a Department of Revenue letter and a Department of Unemployment Assistance letter confirming good standing and payment of taxes/fees/contributions.

License renewal and reallocation (Section 1(d)):

If a license is terminated, not renewed, cancelled, revoked, or unused, it must be returned to the licensing authority, which may grant it to a new applicant under the same conditions.

Timing (Section 1(e)):

All licenses granted under this act must be issued within five years after the act’s effective date. A license initially granted within that window may be granted to a new applicant thereafter under the same terms.

Effective date (Section 2):

The act takes effect upon passage.

Affected Parties

Oxford licensing authority: empowered to issue up to two additional off-premises alcohol licenses under the specified conditions.

Businesses within Oxford’s Highway Interchange, Village Business, and General Business zones: potential applicants for the new licenses.

Residents and local economy: potential impact via increased off-premises alcohol sales and related economic development within targeted zones.

State agencies (Department of Revenue and Department of Unemployment Assistance): provide standing verification letters for license transfers.

Procedural/Timeline Notes

Requires local approval and is contingent on the town’s zoning map and designation.

Licenses must be issued within five years of enactment.

Transfers restricted to the designated zoned area; outside transfers prohibited.

Overall, H.5452 aims to expand Oxford’s off-premises alcohol licensing in a controlled, geographically targeted manner, with explicit zoning, branding, and verification requirements to ensure local oversight and fiscal responsibility.