Politics & Government
"Happy Hour" Could Return to Hingham
State Senator Robert Hedlund sponsored a casino bill amendment Tuesday that stated that if the proposed Massachusetts casinos can offer free drinks, so should restaurants.

State Senator Robert Hedlund sponsored a casino bill amendment Tuesday that stated that if the proposed Massachusetts casinos can offer free drinks, restaurants should also be allowed to offer free drinks too.
According to the Boston Herald, Sen. Robert Hedlund, R-Weymouth, who represents Hingham believes the state should allow for existing businesses compete on a level playing field with the casinos that are coming in.
From the New England Post:
Find out what's happening in Hinghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
As a part of the Massachusetts Senate’s proposed casino plan, in-state casinos would be issued “gaming beverage licenses.” Unlike the traditional alcoholic beverage licenses that Bay State bar and restaurant owners are used to, these new licenses could allow casinos to give free drinks to customers as part of promotions, to provide drink specials that vary by night and to allow for other drink deals that are currently banned under state law.
The bill amendment, which was approved by the Senate Tuesday on a 25-13 vote has critics of that amendment fearing that it may lead to an increase in drunk driving and related accidents.
Find out what's happening in Hinghamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The vote has also sparked discussion around the state that “happy hour” could soon be reinstated in Massachusetts bars and restaurants for the first time since it was banned in 1984.
Do you think "happy hour" should be allowed at Hingham businesses? Let us know. Take our poll or leave a comment below.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.