Senate Votes to Empower Cities and Towns to Issue Alcohol Licenses

Senate Votes to Empower Cities and Towns to Issue Alcohol Licenses 

Legislature would no longer be required to approve new licenses 

(BOSTON—5/22/2025) Today the Massachusetts Senate adopted an amendment to their Fiscal Year 2026 budget that would allow cities and towns to set the number of alcohol licenses that would be available for restaurants and bars within their communities. 

 

It would empower cities and towns to determine how many off-premise licenses they can issue, including seasonal licenses, and ensure local licensing decisions are no longer capped by outdated population-based formulas set by the state, a practice that originated in 1933. 

 

“Local officials understand their communities and local economies better than Beacon Hill does,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “By empowering cities and towns to determine their own licensing, we can streamline the approval process and help restaurants continue to serve as the economic and community engines we know they are.” 

 

"This is about empowering our cities and towns to take charge of their economic future. Communities know their needs best,” said Senator Jacob Oliveira (D-Ludlow). “By returning control of liquor license decisions to municipalities, we're giving our cities and towns another tool to support small businesses, revitalize main streets, and streamline the process. It's a common-sense step to support economic development across the Commonwealth.” 

 

Municipalities looking to add licenses would be required to adopt a local plan approved by the mayor, city council, or select board; have at least one public hearing; and give notice to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). 

 

New licenses would be non-transferable, meaning communities would issue the licenses to specific businesses at specific locations. The Commonwealth would still retain regulatory supervision of licensees via the regulatory process of the ABCC. 

 

The current process requires municipalities to petition the Legislature for additional licenses.

 

The Senate continues to debate the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Debate is available via livestream at https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7464.