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H 4197

An Act relative to notification of alcohol by volume in beers to be consumed on the premises

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Colleen Garry

Requires on-premises licensees to list the alcohol by volume (ABV) of every beer on the menu, boosting transparency for customers at bars and restaurants.

Accompanied a study order, see H4733
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Bill Summary · H 4197

Bill Summary: H.4197 (An Act relative to notification of alcohol by volume in beers to be consumed on the premises)

Overview

H.4197 proposes a for-on-premises alcohol-by-volume (ABV) disclosure requirement for beer selections. The bill would amend Chapter 138 by adding a new Section 79, requiring licensees that sell alcoholic beverages to be consumed on the premises to list the ABV for each beer on their menu. The measure aims to increase transparency for consumers regarding the strength of beers offered at on-site establishments.

What the bill would change

  • Add Section 79 to Chapter 138: “All licensees for alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises shall list the alcohol by volume for each beer selection on their menu.”
  • Scope covers beer selections offered for consumption on the premises (e.g., bars, restaurants, beer halls) that operate under Massachusetts alcohol licenses.

Who is affected

  • On-premises alcohol licensees in Massachusetts (businesses serving beer for consumption on-site), including restaurants, bars, breweries with tasting rooms, and similar establishments.
  • Customers would benefit from immediate visibility of ABV information when selecting beers.

Status and procedural timeline

  • Introduced: March 27, 2025.
  • Referred to House Rules: March 27, 2025.
  • House Actions: Reported and referred to Joint Rules; rules suspended and referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (as part of the 2025 proceedings).
  • Hearing: Scheduled for July 7, 2025 (10:00 AM–1:00 PM) in the Joint Committee on Rules (A-2).
  • Senate: Concurred on June 5, 2025.
  • Accompanied a study order: November 17, 2025 (H.4733).
  • Related history: Similar matter previously filed in the prior session (HD 304 of 2023-2024).

Key provisions (text at a glance)

  • Section 79 would require every on-premises beer offering to have its ABV listed on the menu.
  • The text provided does not specify an effective date, penalties, or enforcement mechanisms.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Consumer impact: Increased transparency enabling drinkers to make informed choices based on ABV.
  • Business impact: Administrative update to menus and point-of-sale materials; potential minor costs for updating menus and signage.
  • Enforcement/implementation: The bill’s language provided does not outline enforcement procedures or penalties, nor an explicit effective date; further detail may be addressed during committee consideration or in amended text.

Related and context

  • Related bill: HD 4415 (replaces) and prior related matter HD 304 (2023-2024) indicate ongoing interest in ABV disclosures for beer.
  • The bill’s trajectory includes a study-order accompaniment (H4733) and involvement of the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure committee, with ongoing hearings and potential further actions.

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

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