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H 328

An Act relative to the sale of wines and malt beverages by food stores

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Cahill

H 328: An Act Relative to the Sale of Wines and Malt Beverages by Food Stores SummaryThis bill, H 328, aims to expand the ability of food stores in Massachusetts to sell wine and m

Accompanied a study order, see H4677
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Bill Summary · H 328

H 328: An Act Relative to the Sale of Wines and Malt Beverages by Food Stores

Summary

This bill, H 328, aims to expand the ability of food stores in Massachusetts to sell wine and malt beverages (e.g. beer) on their premises. The main purpose is to provide greater consumer convenience and choice by allowing more retail outlets to offer a wider variety of alcoholic products alongside their regular grocery items.

Key Provisions

  • Allows any "food store" (defined as a retail business primarily engaged in selling food and grocery items) to obtain a license to sell wine and malt beverages for off-premises consumption
  • Removes the current restriction that limits these licenses only to businesses that derive at least 50% of their total annual gross revenues from the sale of food and grocery items
  • Establishes an annual license fee of $1,500 for the new wine and malt beverage retail licenses
  • Maintains existing requirements around the sale of alcohol, such as prohibitions on sales to minors

Affected Parties

  • Consumers in Massachusetts, who would have more options to purchase wine and beer at their local grocery, convenience, or other food stores
  • Food store operators, who could potentially generate additional revenue by selling these alcoholic products
  • Existing package stores and other licensed alcohol retailers, who may face increased competition

Procedural Details

  • This bill was introduced on February 25, 2025 and has been accompanied by a study order (H4677) to further examine the proposal
  • If enacted, the new wine and malt beverage retail licenses would take effect 90 days after the bill's passage
  • The bill does not specify an end date or sunset provision, suggesting the changes would be permanent

Overall, H 328 represents an effort to modernize alcohol sales in Massachusetts by providing consumers greater convenience and choice, while also potentially creating new revenue opportunities for food store operators. The potential impacts on existing alcohol retailers would likely be a key consideration as the bill progresses.

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

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