Politics & Government
Mass. Lawmakers Try To Repeal Ban On Happy Hour Again
"Many of our downtowns and main streets don't have the foot traffic they did during the pandemic," Cyr said ahead of Wednesday's hearing.
June 1, 2023
BOSTON - The sale of discounted alcoholic beverages has been illegal in Massachusetts since 1984. At the time, lawmakers faced pressure to act after a string of fatal drunk driving incidents. Forty years later, Massachusetts is one of the only states in the country to have a so-called Happy Hour Ban.
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On Wednesday, the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure held a hearing on a bill from State Senator Julian Cyr that would allow cities and towns to decide whether or not to opt-in.
"Many of our downtowns and main streets don't have the foot traffic they did during the pandemic," Cyr said ahead of Wednesday's hearing. "That has meant a tremendous challenge for restaurant owners and bars. I think happy hour is a tool that could bring come vibrancy to our main streets and downtowns."
Find out what's happening in Bostonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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