Expansion of 'cork and carry' law revived
Patrons at Massachusetts taverns and private clubs may soon be able to take a partially-drunk bottle of wine home with them under legislation approved by the Senate Monday morning.
The bill, a January 2015 vintage filed by Rep. Thomas Golden, sat untouched since engrossment by the House in July. Senators dusted it off on Monday and gave their own initial approval.
The bill (H 199) would expand "cork and carry" privileges, which already exist for customers at hotels and restaurants. Three other categories of licensed establishments would now be able to re-seal bottles to send home with patrons: private clubs, including country clubs; war veterans' organizations, such as a Veterans of Foreign Wars post with a liquor license; and taverns. The original "cork and carry" regulation was added to the state's liquor laws in 2006.
In December, Golden told the News Service he was concerned by potential pressure on customers who "may feel obliged" to finish an entire bottle in one sitting. Golden filed similar legislation last session.
The Senate worked on several local bills Monday, including liquor licenses for Salem, Webster, and Foxborough. Two licenses proposed for Foxborough would be designated for use in a new development known as South Route 140 / Foxborough Boulevard.
Senators admitted to the branch a resolve by House Speaker Robert DeLeo that would establish a task force on local and state government integrity, along with a petition to name a bridge in Freetown after former Sen. Joan Menard.
They also acted on bills affecting Sturbridge, Mattapoisett, Marlborough, and Natick.
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