The Woman's Club of Columbia

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

Authorizes Arlington voters to allow up to two additional off-premises alcohol licenses if a 2026 ballot question is approved.

Introduced and adopted

Overview

H 4473 is a local act authorizing the select board of the town of Arlington (MA) to place a binding ballot question at the 2026 town election asking voters whether the town may issue two additional licenses for the sale of “all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises” (i.e., off‑premises/package licenses). The bill would, if approved by voters, increase the town’s cap on such licenses from 6 to 8.

Key provisions

Authorizes the Select Board to place this question on the 2026 Arlington town election ballot with the exact wording: “Shall the Select Board of the town be authorized to issue 2 additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be drunk on the premises? Yes______ No______”

If a majority of voters vote “Yes,” the Select Board may issue 2 additional off‑premises licenses in addition to the 6 currently authorized.

The newly issued licenses remain subject to chapter 138 of the Massachusetts General Laws (the alcoholic beverage control statute), except as expressly modified by this act.

The authorization is granted “notwithstanding” sections 11, 15 and 17 of chapter 138 (these sections generally govern local license limits and population‑based quotas), meaning this local increase is allowed even if it exceeds statutory quotas.

The act states it shall take effect upon passage; however, the ballot question is to appear at the 2026 town election and issuance follows voter approval.

Who is affected

Town of Arlington voters: they will decide at the 2026 town election whether to allow the additional licenses.

Arlington select board: gains authority to place the question on the ballot and, if approved, to issue the additional licenses.

Prospective off‑premises alcoholic beverage retailers in Arlington: potential opportunity for up to two new package‑store style licenses.

Existing license holders and local businesses: potential competitive impacts from new licensees and any downstream effects on local retail market.

Procedural status & timeline

Filed (House Docket No. 5103): 9/3/2025; Introduced: 9/4/2025.

Referred to the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (local approval received).

Senate concurred: 9/8/2025.

Committee hearings scheduled/rescheduled for 10/01/2025 (in‑person and virtual).

If enacted and voters approve in 2026, the Select Board may then issue the two additional licenses.

Sponsors and related bills

Sponsored by Rep. Sean Garballey and Sen. Cindy F. Friedman (petition also lists Rep. David M. Rogers).

Related: HD 5103 (replaces).

Note: The bill text file included an unrelated South Carolina House resolution congratulating The Woman’s Club of Columbia — this appears to be extraneous and is not part of Massachusetts H 4473.

Bill