Lawmakers, town officials urge return of liquor‑license authority to cities and towns

Supporters of legislation to return liquor‑licensing authority to local governments told the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure that delegating more license decisions to cities and towns would streamline approvals and boost local economies.

Ally Di Matteo, legislative analyst with the Massachusetts Municipal Association, told the committee that House Bill 437 and Senate Bill 279 would simplify a process established in 1933 and give municipalities more flexibility to grant additional on‑premises liquor licenses. “Local licensing authorities need to be entrusted with determining how many licenses are appropriate within their communities,” Di Matteo said.

The bills would preserve the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission’s regulatory authority while removing the requirement that every municipality petition the Legislature to add licenses. Christopher…