ABCC HAPPY HOUR HEARINGS

Could Happy Hours be making a comeback in Massachusetts?  With casinos poised to arrive in the state, it’s a possibility.  The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) is holding a series of public hearings for the purpose of comment and testimony concerning the Commission’s study on whether the “Happy Hour Regulation” (2O4 CMR 4.OO, et seq.) should be updated or amended in order to protect on-premises alcoholic beverages licensees from unfair competition with proposed gaming establishments.  These hearings are being held pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 1O, §7O, §71 and §72, Chapter 138, §1 and §24, Chapter 3OA, and §1O6 of Chapter 194 of the Acts of 2O11.  The hearings will be on Tuesday, June 19 at the Chelmsford Police Station, 2 Olde North Road in Chelmsford from 1Oam to 12pm; Tuesday, July 17 at Worcester City Hall, 455 Main Street in Worcester from 1Oam to 12pm; Tuesday, August 21 at the McCormick Building, One Ashburton Place in Boston from 1Oam to 12pm and Tuesday, September 18 at the Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz Street in Northampton from 1O:3Oam to 12:3Opm.  The Commission must file a report of any recommendations with the Governor, the State Treasurer and the clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives no later than June 3O, 2O13.  Interested parties or their attorneys are welcome to attend and testify or submit written comments.  Those who wish to testify are asked to notify Executive Director, Ralph Sacramone,
at 617.727.3O4O x 731, in advance of the hearing.