SECTION 1. (a) For purposes of this act, the word “map” shall refer to the map entitled “West Springfield Proposed Liquor License Area,” dated March 2022, a copy of which is on file in the office of the town clerk,

(b) Notwithstanding section 17 of chapter 138 of the General Laws or any other general or special law to the contrary, the licensing authority of the city known as the town of West Springfield may grant 7 additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises pursuant to section 12 of said chapter 138, subject to the following conditions:

(1) Five additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be restricted to the area identified as the “Economic Opportunity Zone,” the boundaries of which are shown on the map.

(2) Two additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be restricted to the area identified as the “Route 20 Business Corridor,” the boundaries of which are shown on the map.

(c) The licenses issued pursuant to subsection (b) shall be subject to all of said chapter 138 except said section 17.

SECTION 2. (a) Once a license is granted pursuant to this act, the licensing authority shall not approve the transfer of the license to any other location or area, but it may grant the license to a new applicant under the same conditions as specified in this act if the applicant files with the licensing authority a letter from the department of revenue and a letter from the department of unemployment assistance indicating that the license is in good standing with those departments and that all applicable taxes, fees and contributions have been paid. No license granted hereunder may be sold or otherwise transferred for financial consideration,

(b) If a license granted pursuant to this act is canceled, revoked or no longer in use, it shall be returned physically, with all of the legal rights, privileges and restrictions pertaining thereto, to the licensing authority and the licensing authority may then grant the license to a new applicant under the same conditions specified in this act.

(c) Notwithstanding sections 12 and 15 of chapter 138 of the General Laws, a license issued pursuant to this act may be subject to an initial acquisition fee in an amount to be determined by the city known as the town of West Springfield which shall be in addition to any existing annual license fee applicable in the city known as the town of West Springfield for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on premises. The initial acquisition fee shall be due and payable upon the original issuance of the license and also upon the issuance of a license to a new applicant pursuant to this act.

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