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HD 6120

An Act relative to the issuance of certain liquor licenses in the city of Easthampton

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Homar Gomez

Easthampton may issue up to 8 additional licenses for all alcoholic beverages, with transfers restricted to within the city and tied to state tax and unemployment clearances.

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Bill Summary · HD 6120

Overview

This Massachusetts bill proposes to authorize the city of Easthampton to issue up to 8 additional liquor licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages, expanding the number of licenses beyond what was originally authorized by Chapter 46 of the Acts of 2020 (and any other laws). The bill lays out how these licenses would be issued, transferred (with limitations), and reissued if a license is terminated or no longer in use.

Purpose and intent

  • Provide Easthampton with the ability to issue up to eight additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages.
  • Clarify the process for issuing, transferring, and reissuing licenses related to these new allowances.
  • Ensure that any new licenses adhere to relevant state laws (Chapter 138 of the General Laws) with specific restrictions.

Key provisions

  • Section 1: Grants Easthampton’s licensing authority the authority to issue up to 8 additional licenses originally authorized under Chapter 46 of the Acts of 2020, notwithstanding that act or any other law to the contrary.
  • Section 2: Licenses issued under this act must be issued under the procedures of Chapter 138, Section 12 or Section 15, and must comply with all provisions of Chapter 138 except for Section 17.
    • This ties the new licenses to the general liquor licensing framework while omitting the prohibition or rules contained in Section 17 of Chapter 138.
  • Section 3: The licensing authority cannot approve a transfer of a license granted under this act to a location outside Easthampton.
    • It may grant a license to a new applicant at the same location if the new applicant meets certain conditions, including:
    • A letter from the Department of Revenue indicating good standing.
    • A letter from the Department of Unemployment Assistance indicating all applicable taxes, fees, and contributions have been paid.
  • Section 4: A license issued under this act must be physically returned to the Easthampton licensing authority if the licensee terminates or fails to renew, or if the license is cancelled, revoked, or no longer in use at the original location.
    • The licensing authority may grant the license to a new applicant at the same location under the same conditions.
  • Section 5: The act takes effect upon passage.

Who/what is affected

  • City of Easthampton (local licensing authority): Authorized to issue and manage up to 8 additional liquor licenses and to enforce transfer, renewal, and reissuance conditions at the local level.
  • Licensees and applicants: Individuals or entities seeking to operate businesses selling all alcoholic beverages within Easthampton must comply with the licensing process, revenue and unemployment tax clearance requirements, and the residency/location restrictions.
  • Department of Revenue and Department of Unemployment Assistance: As referenced, their letters confirming tax and contribution status are required for new license transfers to new applicants at the same location.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The act explicitly states that it takes effect upon passage (no future date required).
  • Transfers of licenses granted under this act are restricted from leaving Easthampton; new applicants at the same location must provide clearance letters from DOR and DUA.
  • Licenses must be issued under the standards of Chapter 138 (with the exception of Section 17) and follow Sections 12 or 15 of Chapter 138 for issuance.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Economic development: Expanding the number of licenses could support additional hospitality and retail businesses in Easthampton.
  • Regulatory compliance: Licensees must maintain compliance with state tax and unemployment insurance requirements to be eligible for license transfers.
  • Local control: The act emphasizes local issuance and management of licenses, including reissuance at the same location when licenses are terminated or no longer in use.

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

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