The proposed bill authorizes municipalities in Massachusetts to participate in a temporary pilot program that extends the hours of liquor licenses and permits public consumption of alcoholic beverages in designated districts during the summer of 2026. Specifically, the bill allows local licensing authorities to grant licenses for off-premises consumption in social consumption districts starting June 1, 2026, and permits establishments to serve alcoholic beverages on-premises for an additional hour, up to 3:00 a.m., until August 31, 2026.

Additionally, cities and towns can designate specific areas where public consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed, subject to local regulations, for the same summer period. The bill is set to take effect upon passage and will expire on August 31, 2026.