Reading Liquor License Bill Signed Into Law

READING, MA — A bill which clarifies the town's authority to issue alcohol licenses has been signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker. According to a joint statement from local lawmakers, the bill authorizes the town of Reading's licensing authority to grant licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be consumed on business premises, and grant package store licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages.

Signed into law as Chapter 464 of the Acts of 2016, lawmakers say the law corrects inconsistencies that date back nearly 50 years. The legislators say this bill provides protections for existing license holders in Reading.

“Liquor licenses are vital to the economic development interests of Reading,” said Representative James Dwyer in a statement . “It was a pleasure to work with the Reading delegation to secure passage and I thank Governor Baker for acting swiftly on this issue.”

There are 20 liquor licenses issued to local restaurants and clubs including 18 all-alcoholic licenses and two wine and malt licenses. There are also six all-alcoholic licenses for local package stores.

“The Reading delegation was pleased to work collaboratively to advance this measure forward,” said Senator Jason Lewis in a statement. “One of our more important roles as state legislators is to work in partnership with our communities and small businesses to benefit the local economy, and this bill helps achieve that end.”

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