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H 5445

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 eight additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages, staying within the city and requiring compliance checks.

Accompanied a new draft, see H5547
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Bill Summary · H 5445

Overview

  • Bill: H 5445
  • Session: 194th (Massachusetts)
  • Jurisdiction: Easthampton, MA
  • Title: An Act relative to the issuance of certain liquor licenses in the city of Easthampton
  • Sponsor: Representative Homar Gómez (with city council approval)
  • Status: Senate concurred (as of 5/21/2026); referred to committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure earlier
  • Local approval: Indicates local approval received

Purpose and Intent

The bill authorizes the City of Easthampton to issue up to eight additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages. It specifically allows the city to grant new licenses beyond what was originally authorized under Chapter 46 of the Acts of 2020 (or any other applicable law). The core aim is to expand the number of available liquor licenses within Easthampton.

Key Provisions

  1. Authorization of Licenses

    • The city may grant up to eight additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages.
    • These licenses originate from the authorization provided by Chapter 46 of the Acts of 2020 (or any other general or special law to the contrary).

  2. Issuance and Administration

    • Licenses granted under this act are to be issued by Easthampton’s licensing authority.
    • Issuance follows relevant provisions of General Laws Chapter 138, including sections 12 or 15, but not Chapter 138, Section 17 (which governs license transfers associated with some circumstances).

  3. Transfer and Location Restrictions

    • The city’s licensing authority may not approve transferring a license granted under this act to a location outside Easthampton.
    • The authority may grant a license to a new applicant at the same location, provided the new applicant submits:
      • A letter from the Department of Revenue (DOR) indicating tax and revenue compliance
      • A letter from the Department of Unemployment Assistance indicating good standing and payment of applicable taxes, fees, and contributions

  4. License Reassignment if Licenseholder Changes Status

    • If a license holder terminates, fails to renew, or if the license is canceled, revoked, or no longer in use at the original location, the license must be returned to Easthampton’s licensing authority.
    • The authority may then grant the license to a new applicant at the same location under the same conditions outlined above (DOR and unemployment assistance letters).

  5. Effective Date

    • The act takes effect upon passage.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Local Government: Easthampton’s licensing authority (city-level) gains authority to issue up to eight additional licenses for all alcoholic beverages.
  • Businesses and Applicants: Potential new licensees (businesses seeking to operate licensed venues) at in-city locations, subject to the same general licensing standards and the specified prerequisites (DOR and unemployment assistance compliance letters).
  • Tax and Employment Agencies: Department of Revenue and Department of Unemployment Assistance must provide good-standing documentation for license transfers or renewals at the new location.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill contains transitional provisions regarding issuance and transfer, with emphasis on keeping licenses within Easthampton city boundaries.
  • Transfers to out-of-city locations are prohibited; new licenses may be issued at the same location upon compliance checks.
  • The act is designed to take effect immediately upon passage.
  • Legislative actions noted: Referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, with Senate concurrence occurring on 5/21/2026.

Potential Impact

  • Expands permissible number of liquor licenses in Easthampton (up to eight).
  • Enables in-city license transfers or reissuances at existing locations if compliance requirements are met.
  • Maintains revenue and regulatory oversight by ensuring licenses remain within Easthampton and that new or renewing licensees are in good standing with tax and employment agencies.
  • Could influence local economic development by permitting additional licensed venues (bars, restaurants, etc.) within the city, subject to compliance and licensing standards.

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

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