SECTION 1.  Notwithstanding the provisions of section 17 of chapter 138 of the General Laws, the licensing authority of the city of Easthampton may grant eight (8) additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises pursuant to section 12 of chapter 138, giving highest preference to establishments located in the mill industrial zone and the downtown business zone in the city of Easthampton.  The zones are located and bound as shown on a map titled "Zoning Map of Easthampton, Massachusetts," on file in the office of the city clerk and planning department. Applications for licenses in other zones might be considered by the licensing authority, however mill industrial and downtown business should be given preference.  The licenses shall be subject to all of said chapter 138 except said section 17.

Once issued, the licensing authority shall not approve the transfer of that license to any other location, but it may grant a license to a new applicant at the same location if the applicant files with the licensing authority a letter from the department of revenue indicating that the license is in good standing with the department and that all applicable taxes have been paid.

If a license granted pursuant to this section is cancelled, revoked or no longer in use at the location of original issuance, the license shall be returned physically, with all of the legal rights, privileges and restrictions pertaining thereto, to the licensing board and may then grant the license to a new applicant at the same location under the same conditions as specified in this act.

SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect upon its passage