Mass. needs to update alcohol laws
Deborah B. Goldberg
When I came into office a little over two years ago, I realized the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) needed modernization in several different areas. As a former businessperson and elected official who worked on licensing, I recognized the balance needed to support an industry critical to both the local and state economies while ensuring public health and safety through prudent regulation.
The ABCC, often in conjunction with cities and towns, is charged with licensing restaurants and retailers, as well as winemakers, brewers and other aspects of the industry. This makes the ABCC a catalyst for many small businesses that are vital in Massachusetts.
The alcohol industry is required to operate under a system of three tiers: producer/manufacturer, distributor/wholesaler, and retailer/consumer. The ABCC and other regulatory agencies monitor the consistency of products, tax collection and licensing, along with many other controls.
Our state's alcohol statutes, which were put in place in 1933, have typically been amended in a piecemeal and reactionary way. Other changes were made through court decisions, but those are often not reflected in our statutes. The result is a system that lacks the cohesiveness businesses and the ABCC require to operate efficiently and effectively.
To address the challenges imposed by these antiquated laws and systems, I decided to convene a task force of independent, thoughtful professionals. They are tasked with creating an open and inclusive process that analyzes the statutes and regulations and organization structure so that the laws and the ABCC work properly for the benefit of everyone.
I have requested a report within six months that will identify simple key internal and external changes necessary for the ABCC and businesses to interact more efficiently. I am not starry eyed about this undertaking, I know that this task is a daunting one that will not be easy. But it is important that we take on this challenge to ensure that our laws meet the needs of the 21st Century's alcohol businesses and consumers.
At this time, the Task Force welcomes public comment and input at www.mass.gov/treasury/alcoholtaskforce.
We encourage you to submit your topics for the task force to review. We look forward to hearing from you.
Deborah B. Goldberg is the Massachusetts state treasurer and receiver general.
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