Amendment could change happy hour law in Massachusetts

BOSTON (WWLP) – Massachusetts is the only state in the country where happy hours are illegal.

Last week, the State Senate passed their version of a several-billion-dollar economic development bond bill that includes an amendment that would legalize happy hour in Massachusetts.

This amendment allowing bars and restaurants to sell alcoholic drinks at a reduced rate during certain times of the day is meant to boost the restaurant industry in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a local option amendment meaning that individual communities can decide where and whether they would like to offer happy hour discounts.

Sen. Julian Cyr told 22News, “I think that local option happy hour is really a tool that will help restore and revitalize our downtowns and our main streets. I think we’ve got a bit of work to do in our fun factor.”

Senator Cyr also told the Senate that states that have repealed happy hour bans say that there is no significant increase in drunk driving and related injuries. He also noted that overall injuries and fatalities from drunk driving incidences are decreasing.

The happy hour ban was put in place in 1984 and if this amendment becomes law, Massachusetts will become the last state in the nation to lift the ban.

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