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Bill

S 293

An Act promoting safety in bars and restaurants

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Pavel Payano and 1 co-sponsor

Requires bars/restaurants to provide drink lids on request and post notices that lids are available, reducing spills and splashes and protecting patrons and staff.

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
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Bill Summary · S 293

Summary of S.293 / An Act promoting safety in bars and restaurants

Overview

S.293, titled “An Act promoting safety in bars and restaurants,” seeks to enhance on-site safety at establishments that serve alcohol by requiring lids for drinks upon request and by mandating conspicuous notice that lids are available. The measure adds a new Section 79 to Chapter 138 of the General Laws. The act would take effect six months after enactment.

Main purpose and intent

  • Improve safety for patrons and staff by allowing drinks served on the premises to be covered with lids, reducing spills, splashes, and related hazards.
  • Ensure customers are aware that lids are available when they order or receive a beverage.

Key provisions

  • Section 79 (a) Definition of “Lid”

    • A removable cover of any size that attaches to the rim of a beverage.
    • The lid is not required to fit all containers used by the establishment but must fit at least one container.

  • Section 79 (b) Display and accessibility

    • Any establishment that sells alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises must, upon request, provide a lid with the customer’s drink.
    • The owner or person in charge must post a notice informing patrons that lids are available in a prominent and conspicuous location.

  • Effective date

    • The act would go into effect six months after enactment.

Who is affected

  • On-premises alcohol-serving establishments (bars, restaurants, and other venues where alcohol is consumed on-site).
  • Patrons who request a lid for their drink.
  • Management and staff responsible for implementing the lid availability and posting requirement.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced: January 29, 2025
  • Filed as Senate Docket No. 2402; Senate No. 293
  • Initially referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (Feb 27, 2025)
  • Reported favorably by committee and referred to the Senate Ways and Means (November 19, 2025)
  • Additional actions listed include a hearing scheduled for July 7, 2025 (A-2)
  • Status noted: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means

Sponsors

  • Primary: John C. Velis
  • Co-sponsors (as listed): Pavel M. Payano; John Barrasso; Katie Britt; Roger F. Wicker; Mike Rounds; Ted Cruz; James E. Risch (Note: Some names appear to be indistinguishable from federal officials; the document lists these individuals as sponsors alongside Velis.)

Related information

  • Related bill reference: SD 2402 (replaces)
  • The bill’s language is focused narrowly on lid availability and notice, with no specified penalties or enforcement mechanisms beyond the requirement to provide lids upon request.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Safety benefits from reduced spills and contamination risks in bars/restaurants.
  • Operational considerations for establishments to stock lids of various sizes and train staff to offer lids upon request.
  • The need for clear signage placement to meet the conspicuous notice requirement.
  • Questions that may arise include how “upon request” is handled during busy service periods and what constitutes a suitable lid size for different drink containers.

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

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