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H 5425

An Act authorizing the town of Southborough 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 Kate Donaghue and 1 co-sponsor

Southborough may issue one additional off-site alcohol license specifically to Costco Atlantic Liquors at 21 Coslin Drive, increasing local licensing capacity.

Accompanied a new draft, see H5546
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Bill Summary · H 5425

Summary of Bill H.5425 (Session 194th) — Massachusetts

Purpose and Intent

  • Authorizes the town of Southborough to grant one additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises (i.e., a license for off-premises sale).
  • Specifically targets Costco Atlantic Liquors, Inc. for a new license at its Southborough location.
  • The bill aims to increase off-premises alcohol licensing capacity in Southborough beyond what is currently allowed under general law.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Section 1

    • Grants the Southborough Licensing Authority authority, notwithstanding Section 17 of Chapter 138, to issue one additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises (off-premises liquor license).
    • The license would be issued under the provisions of Chapter 138, Section 15, but would not be subject to Section 17 (which governs limits on licenses in many municipalities and related conditions).
    • The license is to be issued specifically to Costco Atlantic Liquors, Inc. at 21 Coslin Drive, Southborough, MA.

  • Section 2

    • The Licensing Authority may not approve a transfer of the license to another location.
    • The license may be granted to a new applicant at the same location, provided the applicant submits a letter from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue indicating the license is in good standing and all applicable taxes have been paid.

  • Section 3

    • If the license is canceled, revoked, or no longer in use, it must be physically returned to the Licensing Authority with all rights and privileges.
    • The Licensing Authority may then grant the license to a new applicant at the same location under the same conditions.

  • Section 4

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Affects the Town of Southborough’s Licensing Authority, by granting authority to issue one additional off-premises alcohol license.
  • Affects Costco Atlantic Liquors, Inc., as the intended recipient of the new license at 21 Coslin Drive, Southborough.
  • Affects potential future applicants at the same location only (if the license is reissued or transferred in-place), subject to State Department of Revenue confirmation.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Legislative action: The bill has been introduced and referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure as of May 14, 2026.
  • Sponsor(s): Kate Donaghue (primary) and Jamie Eldridge (co-sponsor).
  • Local approval status noted as “Local Approval Received” in its presentation.
  • No specific dates for license issuance are provided; the act becomes effective upon passage.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Increases Southborough’s off-premises alcohol sales capacity by one license, potentially affecting local retail competition and revenue streams.
  • Restrictions on transferability: the license cannot move to a different location, but can be reissued at the same site to a new applicant if key tax status confirmations are satisfied.
  • Ensures fiscal accountability by requiring a Massachusetts Department of Revenue status letter for any in-place transfer to a new applicant at the same address.
  • Still subject to all other provisions of Chapter 138 except Section 17, aligning with standard licensing requirements while allowing this exception for the specified license.

If you’d like, I can provide a plain-language briefing for non-expert readers or add a quick comparison to typical off-premises liquor licensing processes in Massachusetts.

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

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