SECTION 1. The board of selectmen of the town of Belmont may, in its discretion, grant licenses for the sale of wines and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises of restaurants having a seating capacity of not less than 39 and no more than 125 seats; provided, however, that no more than 16 such licenses shall be in effect, including those licenses issued pursuant to chapter 128 of the acts of 1997.  The licenses shall be subject to chapter 138 of the General Laws.

A license granted under this section shall not be transferable to any other person, corporation or organization for a period of 3 years from the date of original issuance or 3 years from the enactment of legislation, whichever is later.  Any transfer in violation of this act shall render said license null and void.

If a license granted under this section is cancelled, revoked or no longer in use at the location of original issuance, it shall be returned physically, with all of the legal rights and privileges pertaining thereto, to the licensing authority, which may then grant the license to a new applicant only at the same location under the same conditions specified in this act provided the new applicant files with the licensing authority a letter from the department of revenue and a letter from the division of unemployment assistance indicating that the license is in good standing with those entities and that all applicable taxes, fees, and contributions have been paid.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon its passage.