Massachusetts House Bill H4169

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/29/25
• Refer: 5/29/25

Caption

Authorizing the town of Milford to grant an additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be consumed on the premises

Summary

This bill is a local option alcohol licensing measure for the town of Milford. It authorizes Milford’s licensing authority, notwithstanding the usual limits in state law, to issue one additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages not to be consumed on the premises. The license is specifically directed to Constandinos Giokas, doing business as Charlie’s Mini Mart at 36 School Street, and would allow the business to sell packaged alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption. The bill also places conditions on the license’s use and future transfer. The license may not be moved to another location, but it may be reissued to a new applicant at the same site if the applicant provides proof from the Department of Revenue and the Department of Unemployment Assistance that the business is in good standing and current on taxes, fees, and contributions. If the license is cancelled, revoked, or otherwise no longer used, it must be returned to the local licensing authority, which may then reissue it under the same conditions. The initial license must be issued within one year of the act’s effective date, and the act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Impact

The bill creates a special exception to chapter 138 of the General Laws for Milford by allowing one additional off-premises all-alcohol license beyond the normal statutory limits. It affects the town’s local licensing authority and the named business, while also tying license eligibility to compliance with state tax and unemployment obligations. Because it is a special act, it does not broadly change statewide alcohol licensing rules, but it does amend how those rules apply in Milford for this specific license.

Sentiment

The available context suggests the bill is routine and locally supported. The bill notes that it received local approval, and there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes indicating opposition or controversy. The measure appears to be a standard municipal licensing bill intended to accommodate a specific local business need.

Contention

There is little evidence of substantive contention in the available materials. The main policy issue is the creation of a town-specific exception to the state alcohol licensing cap, which is typical for local acts of this kind. Any potential concern would likely center on the preferential grant of a license to a named business and the departure from general licensing limits, but no recorded discussion or vote reflects active opposition.