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June 1, 2026
Dear Chair Fiola and Chair Finegold,
On behalf of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and our 1,200 member organizations, I write to express strong support for H.5465, An Act authorizing municipalities to opt-in to a temporary pilot to extend the hours of liquor licenses and to allow for public consumption in designated districts in summer 2026.
This legislation establishes a flexible, local-option framework to strengthen economic activity, support small businesses, and enhance the vibrancy of commercial districts, particularly as Massachusetts prepares to host FIFA World Cup events. Expanding business activity and activating public spaces will be critical to maximizing near-term economic opportunity and positioning the Commonwealth as a competitive global destination. With a global audience and surge of visitors expected, this bill ensures communities have the tools to meet international expectations, capture increased economic activity, and showcase the Commonwealth as a world-class destination.
By allowing extended operating hours until 3:00 a.m., enabling designated public consumption areas, and permitting off-premises sales within those districts, the bill equips municipalities with practical tools to attract visitors, support hospitality operators, and create more dynamic, welcoming environments. These strategies are increasingly used in peer regions to strengthen downtown vitality and tourism.¹
Importantly, the bill is structured as a temporary pilot through August 31, 2026, allowing municipalities to evaluate impacts and tailor implementation while preserving local control and balancing economic opportunity with public safety considerations.
For the business community, this proposal represents a timely opportunity to support the recovery and long-term competitiveness of the Commonwealth’s hospitality, tourism, and small business sectors, key drivers of Greater Boston’s economy. More broadly, it will help strengthen the region’s appeal for residents, workers, and visitors alike.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Sincerely,
James E. Rooney
President & CEO
¹ National Conference of State Legislatures, Open Container and Consumption Statutes (2023)
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