HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4230        FILED ON: 1/17/2025

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Mike Connolly

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act establishing a commission to consider happy hour in the Commonwealth.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 4230        FILED ON: 1/17/2025

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act establishing a commission to consider happy hour in the Commonwealth.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. (a) There shall be a special legislative commission established pursuant to section 2A of chapter 4 of the General Laws to examine repealing restrictions on the offer and sale of discounted alcoholic beverages by persons licensed pursuant to chapter 138 of the General Laws.

(b) The special legislative commission shall consist of: the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on community development and small businesses, who shall serve as co-chairs; 1 member of the house of representatives, to be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; 1 member of the senate, to be appointed by the senate president; 1 person with experience or expertise related to alcohol licensing, to be appointed by the governor; 4 members of geographically-diverse business improvement districts, as defined in section 1 of chapter 40O of the General Laws, main streets organizations or chambers of commerce, jointly appointed by the co-chairs; the president and chief executive officer of The Massachusetts Restaurant Association, Inc. or their designee; 1 person with industry expertise in alcohol distribution, jointly appointed by the co-chairs; 1 member of Massachusetts Citizens for Happy Hour; and the executive director of the Massachusetts affiliate of Mothers Against Drunk Driving or their designee.

(c) The special legislative commission shall: (i) review and evaluate state and federal laws, regulations and legal advisories regarding the promotion and discounted sale of alcoholic beverages, including those in the state of Illinois; (ii) analyze how changes to the Massachusetts laws might aid restaurants and bars in their economic recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; (iii) examine how any proposed changes may be enacted with a primary focus on public safety, including but not limited to the incorporation of ride sharing services and other technology, messaging and training; (iv) assess changing trends in the workplace, including the likelihood of expanded “work-from-home” policies and how current trends may impact future business patterns at restaurants and bars; (v) consider the needs of different regions of the commonwealth and different types of restaurants and bars within the context of the overall hospitality industry; and (vi) assess the potential impacts casinos have on the alcohol sales of nearby restaurant and bar.

(d) Not later than April 1, 2026, the commission shall submit a report of its findings, including recommendations for legislation, if any, with the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate.