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Bill

H 4276

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2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terry Alexander and 122 co-sponsors

Authorizes Swansea to issue up to 6 new on-premises all-alcohol licenses within the Swansea Mall Redevelopment Area, with strict geographic, use, and transfer limits.

Introduced and adopted
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Bill Summary · H 4276

Summary of H 4276: An Act re-authorizing the town of Swansea to issue additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises

Purpose and scope

  • The bill authorizes the town of Swansea to grant up to 6 additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises (i.e., on-premises consumption) within a defined redevelopment area known as the Swansea Mall Redevelopment Area.
  • It overrides the general licensing limit in Section 17 of Chapter 138 for licenses granted under this act, subject to conditions set by the Swansea licensing authority.
  • The act is a local authorization intended to promote development within the Swansea Mall Redevelopment Area.

Key provisions

  • Section 1(a): The Swansea licensing authority may grant up to 6 additional all-alcohol licenses for on-premises consumption, to establishments located within the Swansea Mall Redevelopment Area, and licenses must be clearly marked with “Swansea Mall Redevelopment Area.” These licenses are subject to all of Chapter 138 except Section 17.

  • Section 1(b): The Swansea Mall Redevelopment Area is defined as portions of the Business B District, shown on the town’s July 29, 2029 Zoning Map. Specifically, areas along Route 6 (northerly and southerly parcels from Gardner Neck Road to Milton Reiser Road) and an area extending from Route 6 and Route 118 northward about 3,900 feet to the Swansea Mall’s northernmost point.

  • Section 1(c): A license may be exercised only in the dining room of a common victualler and in other rooms/areas as the licensing authority determines in writing.

  • Section 1(d): Transfers outside the Swansea Mall Redevelopment Area are not allowed. Transfers to a new applicant within the Redevelopment Area are allowed if the applicant provides letters from the Department of Revenue and the Department of Unemployment Assistance confirming good standing and payment of all taxes/fees.

  • Section 1(e): A license cannot be sold or transferred by the licensee. If terminated, not renewed, canceled, or no longer in use, the license must be returned to the licensing authority, which may grant it to a new applicant within the Redevelopment Area under the same conditions.

  • Section 1(f): All licenses granted under this act must be issued within 3 years of the act’s effective date; licenses initially granted within that period may be granted to new applicants thereafter under Sections 1(d)-(e).

  • Section 2: Repeals Chapter 151 of the Acts of 2019.

  • Section 3: Take effect upon passage.

Affected parties and impact

  • Local: Swansea’s licensing authority and local businesses within the Swansea Mall Redevelopment Area.
  • Prospective licensees: On-premises alcohol licenses for dining establishments inside the Redevelopment Area, subject to local conditions and state oversight.
  • Residents and visitors: Potential changes in on-premises alcohol offerings within the redevelopment area, consistent with local zoning and licensing rules.

Timing and procedural mechanics

  • Effective date and implementation: The act takes effect upon passage.
  • Issuance window: Licenses must be issued within 3 years of the act’s effective date.
  • Transfers and renewal: Restrictions favor licenses remaining within the Redevelopment Area; transfers require state approval-type confirmations (DOR and DUA letters).

Legislative history and sponsors

  • Introduced: July 23, 2025
  • Committee: Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
  • Reported favorably with passages (Local Approval Received)
  • Sponsors: Steven S. Howitt and Justin Thurber (with Thurber listed as cosponsor)
  • Signing status: Signed by the Governor on October 24, 2025; Chapter 47 of the Acts of 2025

This bill provides a targeted, area-specific expansion of on-premises alcohol licenses to support redevelopment efforts in Swansea Mall, with tight geographic, use, and transfer controls.

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

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