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MassachusettsH 5097194th General Court (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act authorizing the city of Salem to convert seasonal licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises to annual licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises

Sponsored By: Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Signed by Governor

Consumer Protection and Professional LicensureHouse Steering, Policy and Scheduling

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Year-round alcohol licenses for two Salem businesses

Salem’s licensing board can convert two named seasonal licenses into year-round, on‑site alcohol licenses. Maitland Farm Kitchen and Spirits at 84 Derby Street may sell all alcoholic beverages year‑round. Amazing Pizza at 62 Wharf Street may sell wine, malt beverages, and cordials year‑round. Most state alcohol rules still apply, except sections 17 and 17A. This applies only to these specific licenses at these addresses.

No moves and 3-year regrant limit

The city cannot move these converted licenses to a new location. A new applicant can get a converted license only for the same address and must file letters from the state revenue and unemployment agencies showing good standing and that all taxes, fees, and contributions are paid. If a converted license ends, is not renewed, is cancelled, revoked, or not used, it must be returned. The city may regrant it at the same location within 3 years; otherwise, the license dissolves.

Conversion fee due with installment option

Salem may charge a one‑time fee when it issues a converted annual license. The fee is due at issuance, but the city can allow payment in multiple installments; if it offers installments, any qualified applicant who asks gets that option. Any part of the fee above a comparable annual renewal fee goes into the city’s economic development account.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • Joan B. Lovely

    Democratic • Senate

  • Manny Cruz

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by the Governor, Chapter 216 of the Acts of 2026

    9/16/2026

  2. Enacted and laid before the Governor

    9/14/2026Senate

  3. Enacted

    9/14/2026House

  4. Read third and passed to be engrossed

    9/10/2026Senate

  5. Taken out of the Orders of the Day

    9/10/2026Senate

  6. Read second and ordered to a third reading

    6/11/2026Senate

  7. Read; and placed in the Orders of the Day for the next session

    4/16/2026Senate

  8. Read third and passed to be engrossed

    4/13/2026House

  9. Read second and ordered to a third reading

    3/9/2026House

  10. Rules suspended

    3/9/2026House

  11. Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting

    3/9/2026House

  12. Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling

    2/12/2026House

  13. New draft of H4661

    2/12/2026House

  14. Reported from the committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

    2/12/2026House

Bill Text

  • Chapter 216 of the Acts of 2026

    9/16/2026

    PDF

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