SECTION 1. (a) Notwithstanding sections 12 and 17 of chapter 138 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the licensing authority of the town of Canton may grant up to 5 additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages, or the sale of wines and malt beverages only, to be drunk on the premises pursuant to said section 12, subject to the conditions set forth in this act and the provisions of said section 12 concerning fees for original issuance of licenses and renewal of licenses.

(b)  Prior to the granting of a license pursuant to this act, the licensing authority shall determine whether an applicant or licensee meets the criteria set forth in this act and any rules and regulations governing the granting of licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages promulgated by the board of selectmen and all other applicable laws.

(c) If a license granted pursuant to this act is cancelled, revoked or no longer in use, such license shall be returned physically, with all of the legal rights, privileges and restrictions pertaining thereto, to the licensing authority, which may then grant the license to a new applicant who meets the criteria set forth in this act.

SECTION 2.  Notwithstanding section 77 of chapter 138 of the General Laws, the licensing authority of the town of Canton may, after a hearing, cancel or revoke any license for the sale of alcoholic beverages issued in the town of Canton, whether the license was issued pursuant to this act or otherwise, that is not in active use and is not being used to serve the public for a period of time of 6 months measured from the date the licensee stops serving the public.

SECTION  3. This act shall take effect upon its passage.