Community Corner

TELL US: Bring Back Happy Hour?

Should happy hour come back to Massachusetts?

Is happy hour coming back to the Bay State?

The 28-year-old “happy hour law” now banning bars and restaurants from pouring free, discounted or two-for-one alcoholic beverages in area restaurants may be updated so restaurants can compete with casinos that may one day be in the state.

As part of the ban, cities and towns now rule that a beverage must be priced the same for each calendar week and two drinks can only be served per person at a restaurant. In addition, pitchers of alcohol can only be served to two or more people, according to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

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The ABCC will hold a hearing in Boston on Aug. 21. Four other hearings will be held throughout the state to gain public feedback. 

According to an article in the Boston Herald, the casino bill passed last year requires the ABCC to complete a study by Jan. 31 of whether the happy hour law should be updated or amended.

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The happy hour law was enacted in part to prevent intoxicated people from being over-served and driving under the influence, the Herald article said.


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