Fall River Licensing Board adopts temporary extension of operating hours for those serving on premise alcoholic beverages

Fall River – Following recent passage of state law, the Fall River Licensing Board has submitted formal notice to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission regarding the Board’s vote on House Bill 5482.

At the Licensing Board meeting held on Thursday, the Board voted to adopt Section 3 of House Bill 5482 that allows a one-hour extension to the operating hours for existing licensees.

Currently, the Board has not voted to adopt any additional sections of this bill. The one hour extension takes effect immediately.

Mayor Coogan stated “The City of Fall River is grateful to the Licensing Board for their support of this initiative which will benefit small business owners who wish to take advantage of longer hours through July 31, 2026. I also want to thank State Representative Carole Fiola for her leadership and sponsorship of this bill that will provide increased economic opportunities to our small business owners throughout the Commonwealth”.

According to Rep. Fiola, “This legislation can help create vibrant, welcoming destinations while generating economic activity for restaurants, bars, retailers, and tourism-related businesses who choose to participate. Summer 2026 presents a unique opportunity for Massachusetts. With international visitors expected throughout the region for FIFA World Cup events and celebrations surrounding America’s 250th anniversary, and the return of the Tall Ships to the Boston Harbor, communities across the Commonwealth will have an opportunity to showcase their downtowns, waterfronts, cultural districts, restaurants, and small businesses.”

Fiola states that this bill:

• Defines “licensed establishments” as those establishments holding a license for the sale of alcoholic beverages for on premise consumption under chapter 138 of the MGL (all alcoholic or wines and malt only).
• Allows cities and towns to temporarily authorize licensed establishments, subject to the approval of the local licensing authority, sell alcoholic beverages for 1 additional hour beyond the time set fort in the establishment’s license, but not to exceed 3:00AM until July 31, 2026.
• Allows cities and towns to temporarily designate public social consumption districts where alcoholic beverages may be consumed in public spaces, subject to local restrictions through July 31, 2026. Allows local licensing authorities to temporarily allow a licensed establishment to sell alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption in said designated districts. Only licensed establishments located within a designated district may sell alcoholic beverages to be consumed off premises within said district.
• Holds that this act shall not be construed to permit a licensed establishment to sell any type or category of alcohol beyond the type or category of alcohol that the licensed establishment is permitted to sell under the license they were issued by the local licensing authority.
• Requires the Executive Office of Economic Development, in consultation with the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the Department of Revenue, to produce a report to the General Court by December 31, 2026, on the implementation and outcomes of this pilot program. The report shall include the number and location of districts designated by municipalities, the number of communities authorizing establishments to sell alcoholic beverages for off premises consumption in approved districts, the number of communities authorizing establishments for extended hours of on premises sales, and any evidence of increased public safety incidents as a result of extended hours of on premises sales. This report shall also evaluate the pilot’s impact on economic development, public safety, revenue, and sales, identify any notable changes or observations and may include recommendations for improvements.

Representative Fiola thanked “Speaker Mariano, Governor Healey, Chair Michlewitz, the members of the House and her colleagues in the Senate for their collaboration and leadership in advancing and passing this legislation. This swift action and thoughtful amendments have strengthened this pilot program and positioned it to support a successful Summer 2026, creating new opportunities for economic activity, tourism, and community engagement across participating municipalities.”