Massachusetts liquor licenses for chains could triple by 2020
Under current law, companies that own multiple stores around the state can sell beer and wine at no more than three of those stores. The bill — which has also won approval in the Senate — would allow for two additional licenses in 2012, two in 2016 and two more in 2020.
This has been a hot button issue in the state for years and serves as a compromise between supermarkets and small mom & pop liquor operations. Considering the dozens of chain stores limited by law like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, this will not only increase sales for craft brewers but also makes the Commonwealth that much more attractive to chains to open the state. Wegmans opened its first location in Massachusetts this year; it sells wine, liquor and beer.
via Bill would allow more beer and wine sales in Mass. – BostonHerald.com.
I’m all for people having better access to beer and wine, and I would normally support something like this. But it only helps big chain stores. And that’s not what the US or MA needs right now, so I really hope this gets rejected.