SECTION 1. (a) Notwithstanding section 11 of chapter 138 of the General Laws or paragraph (1) of subsection (a), the first sentence of subsection (b), and subsection (d) of section 1 of chapter 327 of the acts of 2008, the liquor licensing commission of the city of Melrose shall be authorized to issue not more than 3 licenses to establishments that would sell all alcoholic beverages only for consumption off premises. The licenses shall be subject to all other provisions of said chapter 138.

(b) The issuance of a liquor license under subsection (a) shall not become effective until such time as the liquor licensing commission has been returned or converted a license issued pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of section 1 of said chapter 327. Any such license returned or converted shall not be reissued.

(c) The liquor licensing commission, once it has complied with subsection (b), shall initially issue liquor licenses to entities that held licenses to sell wine and malt and licenses that were returned under subsection (b); and such licenses for the sale of all alcohol only for consumption off premises, whether returned or converted, shall be subject to all the liquor licensing commission conditions from the prior license.

(d) A license issued which allows for the sale of all alcoholic beverages only for consumption off premises may not be the subject of a sale or transfer by the licensee. Upon the licensee failing to renew or otherwise continue operating under the license, the license shall revert to the liquor licensing commission in the city of Melrose.

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