Massachusetts Moves to Reintroduce Happy Hour After 40-Year Ban

Good news for Massachusetts residents: Happy Hour could return after a 40-year state ban.

Massachusetts has been the only state where happy hours have been illegal since a ban was put in place in 1984 to combat drunk driving. However, a recent amendment approved by state lawmakers is poised to change that.

The State Senate has passed a multi-billion-dollar economic development bond bill that includes provisions to allow businesses with liquor licenses to sell alcoholic drinks at reduced rates during certain times of the day. This move is expected to rejuvenate the state's hospitality industry and provide a much-needed boost to the economy.

The amendment, proposed by Senator Julian Cyr, stipulates that businesses can offer discounted alcohol prices under specific conditions: the prices must remain unchanged during the discount period, the promotion must be announced at least three days in advance, and the discounts must end by 10 p.m.

Senator Cyr’s proposal was influenced by data from other states that have eased their happy hour restrictions. His review found little compelling evidence linking happy hours to increased rates of alcohol-related deaths. States like Illinois and Kansas, which previously had restrictive happy hour laws, have shown that such fears might be unfounded.

Despite the Senate's approval, the amendment still requires approval from the House and a signature from the governor to become law. If it passes, Massachusetts will not only shed its unique status as the only state with a happy hour ban but will also likely see a significant economic uplift.

The reinstatement of happy hour is expected to revitalize the restaurant and nightlife scene in Massachusetts, providing a much-needed boost after the challenging times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses hope this change will attract more patrons and stimulate growth within the industry.

As the Commonwealth moves closer to reinstating happy hour, residents and business owners alike are eager to see the potential benefits unfold, both socially and economically.

Marissa Sebastiao contributed to this report.