Should the State Bring Back Happy Hour?

Happy Hours at bars and restaurants in Massachusetts have not been allowed for decades when restrictions were passed to cut down on the amount of drinking and driving.

Next week, the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) will hold a hearing in Boston to gather public feedback on bringing back "happy hour" events in local establishments.

The casino bill passed last year requires the ABCC to complete a study by Jan. 31 of whether the state happy hour law, which currently restricts daily or hourly discounts on alcoholic drinks, should be updated or amended, according to the Boston Herald.

John Grasso, president of the Halfway Cafe chain of six restaurants, told the Herald that he would like to see restaurants have the same rules as casinos.

“Do I want to go back to the days of two-for-ones and happy hour? No, not really, but in terms of competitive advantage, that should be up to the individual operators’ discretion,” Grasso said. “Our industry is under siege, and (free drinks at casinos) is just another nail in the coffin. There is an unfair playing advantage with that.”

In Woburn, there is no requirement that you must eat to order a drink at a restaurant. However, the Licensing Commission does enforce other rules, such as no alcoholic beverage sales on Christmas Day and only allowing patrons to stand in approved places (such as bar areas of restaurants).

The Woburn Licensing Commission code pertaining to alcoholic beverages is online at the City of Woburn Website. 

What do you think about bringing back happy hours? Are you in favor? Should the ban stay? Tell us in the comment section below.