Conversion of Beer and Wine Liquor Licenses

Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2025, Section 51, amends the liquor licensure statute to include a local acceptance option applicable to holders of wine and malt beverage licenses. If the municipality accepts G.L. c. 138, § 12D, which for a town is by Town Meeting vote, then the local licensing authority may permit a holder of a wine and malt beverage license to trade that license for an all-alcohol license. The new license is not transferable.  

The local licensing authority may charge a reasonable fee for the new license and may establish other requirements for a transfer to be approved. The bill does not increase the total number of licenses authorized by G.L. c. 138, § 17 or any other general or special law applicable to the municipality.