Proposal Would Lift State’s Cap on Liquor Licenses

Massachusetts communities may soon have complete control over liquor licenses.

A new Senate economic development bill would lift the cap on liquor licenses that is currently based on the population of a community. Proponents on lifting the cap say that current law restricts communities that are small in size, but have an active restaurant scene. 

Communities now have to send home rule petitions to the Legislature for additional liquor licenses. Sending it to the Legislature requires hearings and procedural red tape.  

Gov. Deval Patrick supports removing the cap. The House created its own economic development bill that did not include the liquor license cap removal.

The Senate may vote on the bill as soon as Tuesday.