Lawmakers on Monday sent a bill to Gov. Maura Healey’s desk that would allow bars to extend last call an hour past their license limit and enable cities and towns to establish designated public alcohol consumption “districts” through July 31.
Healey has 10 days to sign the bill (H 5478, amended) into law, propose amendments or to make vetoes. Healey backed the initial proposal in early June, writing to the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies that it “presents a unique opportunity for local businesses to benefit from increased foot traffic, visitor spending, and renewed downtown activity” in the midst of major summer tourism events like FIFA World Cup and 250th anniversary celebrations.
The bill bounced between chambers Monday after the Senate adopted Sen. Julian Cyr language that would have extended the timetable allowable for public consumption in designated “districts” within cities and towns through Sept. 7, and Sen. Bruce Tarr language related to program reporting.
[POLL: Should Massachusetts allow bars to stay open to 3 a.m. for the World Cup?]
The initial Rep. Carole Fiola proposal would have allowed extended last call season to begin on June 1 and run through Aug. 31. The iteration of the bill the House passed last Thursday would have taken effect Monday, June 8 and expired Friday, July 31.
The specific start date was struck from the final version of the bill. Both chambers adopted emergency preambles to the final proposal, meaning it would take effect upon Healey’s signature.
Tarr’s provision would task the Executive Office of Economic Development, in consultation with the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, and the Department of Revenue with reporting on “the implementation and outcomes” of the pilot program.
“My hope is that we can learn a great deal from this, about behavior patterns, about public safety, about considerations that we may need to take into account in the future when we contemplate legislation that is of this nature,” Tarr said on the floor.
Among other metrics, the report would include the number and location of districts designated by municipalities, the number of communities authorizing establishments to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption in those districts, and “any evidence of increased public safety incidents as a result of extended hours of on premise sales.” The report would have to be filed by Dec. 31, 2026 with findings and recommendations.
Just after 2 p.m. Monday, the House sent a version of the bill back to the Senate that included reporting language, but that maintained a July 31 cutoff for both public consumption and later last calls. The Senate went along with that timeline.
While signature events are concentrated in June and July, extending the provision through Labor Day would have allowed “local communities to take full advantage of an action-packed summer,” Senate President Karen Spilka’s office said in a press release.
The House and Senate wholly aligned on a provision enabling bars to “sell alcoholic beverages on-premises for 1 additional hour beyond the time set forth in the establishment’s license, but not to exceed 3:00 a.m. until July 31, 2026.” That provision is “subject to approval of the local licensing authority.”
MeetBoston wrote in June testimony on behalf of “the entire travel and hospitality sector” in support of the proposal, stating that “Boston will be buzzing during World Cup, as will other areas throughout the Commonwealth, and we must step up to ensure that visitors enjoy topnotch service as they create lasting memories that will encourage future and repeat visitation back to Massachusetts.”
The organization said extended liquor license service hours “will undoubtedly be a boon to local and state coffers.”
Massachusetts Restaurant Association Director of Governmental Affairs Jessica Moore added to the chorus of support, writing that “Restaurants thrive when surrounding retail and entertainment environments are active and welcoming, and designated social consumption areas can help create vibrant destinations that benefit entire business communities.”
Ella Adams is a reporter for the State House News Service in Boston. Reach her at ella.adams@statehousenews.com.
