Amendment ID: S3018-395-R1

Redraft Amendment 395

Happy Hour

Mr. Cyr, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Rausch and Ms. Lovely move that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 124 the following 2 sections:-

“SECTION 124A. Chapter 138 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 33B the following 2 sections:-

Section 33C.  In a city or town that accepts this section in the manner provided in section 4 of chapter 4, an establishment holding a license to sell alcohol to be drunk on the premises shall be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages or alcohol at a discounted price, in a manner as approved by the city or town.

Section 33D.  In a city or town that accepts this section in the manner provided in section 4 of chapter 4, a common victualler duly licensed under chapter 140 or any person duly licensed under section 12 to sell all alcoholic beverages or only wines and malt beverages may discount any alcoholic beverages during a specified time period subject to ordinance, by-law, or other limitations as provided by the city and town and; provided, however, that: (i) the prices of alcoholic beverages are not changed during the time period during which they are discounted; (ii) alcoholic beverages are not discounted between the hours of 10 p.m. and the licensed establishment’s closing hour; and (iii) notice of the discount of the alcoholic beverages during the time period specified is posted on the licensed premises and on the licensee’s publicly available website not less than 3 days prior to the specified time. Authorized persons may advertise events permitted under this statute consistent with local approval.; and

SECTION 124B. The alcoholic beverages control commission shall convene a 9 member advisory group to assist municipalities and provide guidance on the implementation of sections 33C and 33D of chapter 138 of the General Laws. The advisory panel shall consist of diverse membership with expertise in public safety, alcohol licensing, alcohol distribution, small businesses, promotion of safe driving practices and restaurant operations.”