BOSTON (WPRI) — Happy hour is one step closer to making a comeback in Massachusetts after an amendment to a larger economic package in the state’s Senate was approved on Thursday.

The amendment, proposed by Sen. Julian Cyr, would allow cities and towns to let businesses sell alcoholic beverages at a discounted price during a specified time period.

Under the amendment, no beverages can be sold at a discounted price after 10 p.m. The price of the discounted beverages must also be fixed and announced no less than three days prior to the specified time.

The decision on whether to allow happy hour at all would be left up to municipal governments. Cities and towns would also be able to set additional limitations.

Happy hour was banned in Massachusetts back in 1984 in an effort to reduce drunk driving.

“Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to have a ‘happy hour’ ban, and at the time in 1984, it probably made some good sense. The dangers of alcohol and especially drunken driving were rampant across the country,” Cyr explained while advocating for the amendment.

Massachusetts is now just one of a handful of states, including Rhode Island, that prohibits happy hour.

According to Cyr, bringing back happy hour would be a huge boost for struggling restaurants. Right now, businesses can only offer discounts on food, which can be costly.

“In those off hours, those slow seasons, sometimes customers need an extra incentive to get in the door,” Cyr added.

The Boston Globe reported on Thursday that the bill is expected to pass before heading to negotiations with the house.

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