This bill amends Chapter 138 of the General Laws by adding a new section, Section 16E, which establishes regulations for the licensing of new premises for the sale of alcoholic beverages that are not to be consumed on-site. Specifically, it prohibits the licensing of new premises within a radius of five hundred feet from existing licensed premises unless the local licensing authority determines, after a hearing, that the new premises will not be detrimental to public health, safety, and the general welfare of the community. Additionally, the bill allows for the transfer of licenses between locations within this radius, provided the new location is further away from the existing licensee.

The bill also grants applicants who are denied a license under this new section the right to appeal the decision as outlined in section 67. It is important to note that this act will only apply to new licenses issued on or after January 1, 2027.