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Massachusetts hearing weighs repeal of state happy‑hour ban as local option
Summary
State lawmakers heard competing testimony on bills to lift Massachusetts' long‑standing happy‑hour ban and let municipalities opt in. Supporters said a local option with safeguards would help small businesses; opponents warned of predatory pricing and public‑safety costs.
The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure heard testimony on bills to repeal Massachusetts' statewide ban on drink‑price promotions and allow municipalities to decide whether to permit “happy hour.” Supporters, including Senator Julian Cyr, said a local option with safeguards would help struggling restaurants and downtowns; the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and others urged preserving the ban.
Senator Julian Cyr, a Cape Cod Democrat, told the committee the bills (including Senate 217 and related House measures) would ‘‘create safe and…
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