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H 4286

Paul Goodwin

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

Authorizes Somerset to issue one extra off-premises wine/malt license to Olde Village Convenience Store, with transfer, renewal, and reissuance rules.

Introduced and adopted
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Bill Summary · H 4286

Summary — H.4286 (Commonwealth of Massachusetts)

Overview / Purpose

H.4286 is a local act authorizing the Town of Somerset to issue one additional retail license for the sale of wine and malt beverages to be consumed off the premises (a “package” or “off-premises” license). The license is specifically for Olde Village Convenience Store at 2756 County Street. The act creates a local exception to the state statutory quota in chapter 138 (section 17) so the town may grant this one additional license.

Key provisions

  • Authorizes the Somerset licensing authority to grant 1 additional license for the sale of wine and malt beverages not to be drunk on the premises (pursuant to chapter 138, section 15) to:
    • Olde Village Convenience Store, 2756 County Street, Somerset.
  • The license is subject to all provisions of chapter 138 of the General Laws except section 17 (the state quota limit).
  • Transfer restrictions:
    • The licensing authority may not approve transfer of the license to any other location.
    • The licensing authority may grant the same license to a new applicant at the same location only if the applicant files with the licensing authority:
    • a letter from the Department of Revenue, and
    • a letter from the Department of Unemployment Assistance,
    • both indicating good standing and that applicable taxes, fees, and contributions have been paid.
  • Return / reissuance / dissolution:
    • If the license is terminated, not renewed, cancelled, revoked, or otherwise not in use, it must be physically returned to the licensing authority with its legal rights and restrictions.
    • The licensing authority may regrant the license to a new applicant at the same location within 3 years after return and under the same terms; if not regranted within 3 years the license dissolves.
  • Timing:
    • The license must be issued within 1 year after the effective date of the act. If originally granted within that year, later reissuance is governed by the above conditions.
  • Effective date: upon passage.

Who is affected

  • Olde Village Convenience Store (specified beneficiary/location).
  • Somerset licensing authority (local board that issues licenses).
  • Potential future applicants limited to the same physical location.
  • Local consumers and competing retailers in Somerset (adds one additional off-premises package license in town).
  • State agencies (Dept. of Revenue and Dept. of Unemployment Assistance) are involved in certification of applicant good standing for transfers.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced (MA House): July 23, 2025.
  • Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure reported favorably the same day.
  • Legislative activity in late 2025 shows readings and passage-to-be-engrossed (multiple readings and actions through November 26, 2025).
  • The act states it takes effect upon passage; the one-year issuance window begins on that effective date.

Additional note

The packet provided also contained the text of a separate South Carolina House resolution honoring Paul S. Goodwin for winning the 2025 ABC National Craft Championships. That resolution is a distinct item from this Massachusetts local act and governs no effect in Massachusetts.

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

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