Alcohol laws of Massachusetts

Location of Massachusetts

The serving of alcohol in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is governed by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC), which is responsible for issuing licenses and permits for all manufacturers, wholesalers and importers, out-of-state suppliers, brokers, salespeople, warehouses, planes, trains, ships, ship chandlers and vehicles transporting alcoholic beverages.[1]

Drinking age

On December 4, 1984, Governor Michael S. Dukakis signed a bill raising the drinking age from 20 to 21 in Massachusetts. This bill was in response to the National Minimum Drinking Age Act which would reduce federal highway funding by 10% for any state that did not adopt a drinking age of 21.[2] Those under 21 can, however, consume alcoholic beverages on private premises with parental consent.[3]

Establishments accepting, in good faith, the following as proof of age are protected if underage patrons are served accidentally:[4]

Transportation of alcohol

Individuals can transport alcohol without a license, up to but not exceeding, twenty gallons of malt beverages, three gallons of any other alcoholic beverage, or one gallon of alcohol at a single time.[5] People under 21 years of age may not knowingly drive a car with alcohol inside unless they are accompanied by their legal guardian. This also means a person under the age of 21 cannot drive a vehicle with alcohol inside even if it belongs to a person over the age of 21 who is also inside the vehicle. Violators can be fined and/or have their driver's license suspended for three months.[6]

Drunk driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol in Massachusetts is a crime that is punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Massachusetts' maximum blood alcohol level is 0.08% and 0.02% if the driver is under 21 years of age.[7] Operating under the influence penalties can vary depending on prior OUI offenses.

Fine Jail Driver's License Suspension
1st Offense $500–$5,000 None - 2½ years 1 year
2nd Offense $1,000 - $10,000 30 days - 2½ years 2 years
3rd Offense (felony) $1,000 - $15,000 150 days - 5 years 8 years
4th Offense (felony) $1,500 - $25,000 1 – 5 years 10 years
5th Offense (felony) $20,000 - $50,000 2 – 5 years Lifetime

[8]

Happy Hour ban

Bars and restaurants in Massachusetts are prohibited from offering discounts on alcoholic beverages; this includes a total ban on "happy hour" promotions.[9] Establishments are not permitted to offer a drink special even for a day; prices must remain the same throughout the calendar week.

Social Host Law

The host of a party can be held liable for a guest who causes injury to others if it is proved that the host knew or should have known that the guest was intoxicated but continued to allow the guest to drink alcoholic beverages.[10]

See also

References

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