The alcoholic beverage industry in Massachusetts has been in a state of significant instability in recent years; one especially concerning issue is the slow death of family-owned, local package stores that have long been a staple of the Massachusetts retail beverage industry. A root cause of this issue is the increases in the cap on how many licenses can be owned has led to many such stores being forced out of the market by chains of convenience stores and big-box liquor stores based outside the Commonwealth.

This bill would help alleviate some of these burdens by allowing licensed liquor stores to sell directly to caterers. Current law limits this practice to wholesalers, which can cause significant burdens for small events that don’t require expansive beverage options. Allowing package stores to supply these events will provide a boost to their sales numbers and give local caterers more flexibility and convenience when they consider alcohol needs.