The Massachusetts Senate is considering a proposal to repeal the state’s happy hour ban, with lawmakers and lobbyists weighing the potential impact on the restaurant and package store industries. A “cold beer” sign serves as a backdrop for Sen. Julian Cyr’s latest pitch to repeal the ban, which has been in place since 1984. The ban was implemented to reduce drunk driving, but Cyr argues that it has become outdated and is hurting small and family-owned businesses. Under the proposed legislation, cities and towns would have the option to offer happy hour promotions for alcoholic beverages during specific time windows. Cyr’s bill would create “safe and responsible happy hour practices,” including rules for drink prices, discounts, and notices. The Massachusetts Restaurant Association, which represents over 1,800 restaurants, strongly opposes the proposal, citing concerns about the potential impact on their bottom line. The association’s director of government affairs, Jessica Moore, argues that the ban is “working” and should be left alone. However, Cyr and other lawmakers argue that the ban is no longer necessary and that it is hurting small businesses. They point out that other states have successfully implemented happy hour promotions without resulting in increased drunk driving.
- Cyr’s bill would allow cities and towns to offer happy hour promotions during specific time windows.
- The promotions would be subject to “safe and responsible happy hour practices,” including rules for drink prices and discounts.
- The Massachusetts Restaurant Association opposes the proposal, citing concerns about the potential impact on their bottom line.
| State | Happy Hour Ban | Drunk Driving Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | Ban in place since 1984 | Lowest rate in the country |
| Other States | Varies by state | Varies by state |
The Massachusetts Package Stores Association also opposes reinstating happy hour, citing concerns about the potential impact on their bottom line. Despite the opposition, Cyr remains optimistic about the potential benefits of repealing the happy hour ban. He argues that it would help boost profits and drive foot traffic to small and family-owned businesses, which are struggling in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Cyr’s bill would create’safe and responsible happy hour practices,’ which would help reduce the financial burden on small businesses and promote responsible drinking habits.”
— Sen. Julian Cyr
The Massachusetts Restaurant Association and the Massachusetts Package Stores Association have expressed concerns about the potential impact of happy hour promotions on their bottom line. However, Cyr argues that the ban is no longer necessary and that it is hurting small businesses. Key Points:
- Cyr’s bill would allow cities and towns to offer happy hour promotions during specific time windows.
- The promotions would be subject to “safe and responsible happy hour practices,” including rules for drink prices and discounts.
- The ban has been in place since 1984 and was implemented to reduce drunk driving.
Highlights:
- Cyr’s bill would create “safe and responsible happy hour practices,” including rules for drink prices and discounts.
- The ban has been in place since 1984 and was implemented to reduce drunk driving.
Opposition to the Proposal
The Massachusetts Restaurant Association and the Massachusetts Package Stores Association have expressed concerns about the potential impact of happy hour promotions on their bottom line. The association’s director of government affairs, Jessica Moore, argues that the ban is “working” and should be left alone.
A “working” ban refers to a ban that is effective in reducing a particular problem, in this case, drunk driving.
“We stand with MRA in strong opposition to any bill that discounts alcohol for sale in our state,” said Robert Mellion, the executive director and general counsel of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association.
Despite the opposition, Cyr remains optimistic about the potential benefits of repealing the happy hour ban. He argues that it would help boost profits and drive foot traffic to small and family-owned businesses, which are struggling in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Related Bills:
- H 349: A bill to create a special commission to evaluate repealing the happy hour ban.
Testimony from Cyr
Sen. Julian Cyr testified before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, arguing that the ban is no longer necessary and that it is hurting small businesses. “I’m actually testifying at the Provincetown Brewing Company here in Provincetown, one of the many businesses in my district, the Cape and Islands district, who are clamoring for and asking for the ability to get more business through their doors,” Cyr said. Expert Analysis:
Jessica Moore, the director of government affairs for the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, argues that the ban is “working” and should be left alone.
