Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the licensing authority of the town of Reading is hereby authorized to issue to restaurants and function rooms with seating capacities of less than 100, licenses for the sale of wine and malt beverages.

SECTION 2. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 11 of chapter 138 of the General Laws as to the time and manner of voting on the question, this act shall be submitted for its acceptance to the qualified voters of the town of Reading at an annual or special town election following the effective date of this act in the form of the following question: "Shall an act passed by the General Court in the year 1997, entitled 'An Act authorizing the town of Reading to issue licenses to certain establishments for the sale of wine and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises', be accepted?"

If a majority of the votes cast in answer to said question is in the affirmative, this act shall take effect in the town of Reading, but not otherwise.