Overview
- The Massachusetts House voted unanimously Thursday to pass H.5478 and sent the temporary pilot to the state Senate for consideration.
- If the Senate approves and the governor signs, the law would take effect June 8 and run through July 31 and let municipalities authorize one extra hour of on-premises alcohol service up to 3 a.m.
- The bill also permits cities and towns to create designated public-consumption or “social consumption” districts and to set local permit and security rules for participating businesses.
- Backers including Gov. Maura Healey, Mayor Michelle Wu, Senate leaders, and business groups say the pilot will help capture visitor spending from World Cup matches and summer events.
- Opponents such as MADD and many service workers warn the later hours could increase bar-hopping, drunk-driving risk, strain police and ambulances, and clash with limited late-night public transit, and municipalities may track safety and economic data during the trial.