AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF NEEDHAM TO PLACE A QUESTION ON THE BALLOT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN TO GRANT CERTAIN LICENSES FOR THE SALE OF ALL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO BE DRUNK ON THE PREMISES.
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. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the licensing authority of the town of Needham may issue licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises to restaurants with a seating capacity of fewer than 100 persons. Except as otherwise provided in this act, such licenses shall be subject to chapter 138 of the General Laws.
SECTION 2. Notwithstanding section 11 of chapter 138 of the General Laws as to the time and manner of voting on the question, this act shall be submitted for its acceptance to the qualified voters of the town of Needham at the state election or an annual or special town election following the effective date of this act in the form of the following question:-
“Shall the town of Needham, acting through its licensing authority, be granted the authority to issue licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises to restaurants with a seating capacity of fewer than 100 persons?”
If a majority of the votes cast in answer to the question is in the affirmative, the town of Needham licensing authority may issue licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises to restaurants with a seating capacity of fewer than 100 persons.
Below the ballot question shall appear a fair and concise summary of the ballot question prepared by the town counsel and approved by the board of selectmen of the town of Needham.
SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
Approved, February 20, 2014.