Recent Legal News & Firm Updates

On September 15, 2020, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced an extension of state tax deferral measures aimed at easing COVID-19 related financial burdens for the retail and hospitality sectors.   The tax deferral extension will include the following measures:   Extended Time Period for Deferral. Sales tax, meals tax, and room occupancy taxes will be…

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At a press conference on May 29, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito announced a plan for re-opening restaurants throughout Massachusetts. Re-opening will commence during Phase 2, with a specific date expected to be announced the first week in June.   Below is a synopsis of the re-opening plan:   • The…

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On April 3, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker signed an emergency bill into law allowing take-out and delivery of beer/wine for licensed restaurants in Massachusetts. The authorization applies to any restaurant which currently holds a valid “all alcoholic beverages” or “malt and wine beverages” license approved by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission and issued by the…

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On March 15, 2020, stemming from concerns about COVID-19, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued an order prohibiting on-premises bar and restaurant operations. The order, effective Tuesday, March 17 through April 5, 2020 (unless otherwise extended) states, in part “Any restaurant, bar or establishment that offers food or drink shall not permit on-premises consumption of food…

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On February 5, 2020, the Massachusetts House approved a bill that would regulate host community agreements and related caps on payments from marijuana companies. If the bill is passed by the Senate and signed into law, it would grant the Cannabis Control Commission authority to review and regulate host community agreements as part of the…

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This article was originally posted on Boston Magazine. Starting a new restaurant requires months, if not years, of planning. From concept to financing, location scouting to staffing, the number of tasks is countless, and the hurdles never-ending. The most difficult issues arise not from the things you expect, but from the unknown and unanticipated like…

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On November 12, 2019, the Cannabis Control Commission, through its Executive Director, issued a quarantine order on vaporizing products, based on the determination that vaporizers “pose an immediate or serious threat to the public health, safety, or welfare and the quarantine is necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare.” The order is effective…

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The Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission issued an advisory regarding the off-premise “7-Store Limit” increase, effective January 1, 2020. This law increases the number of off-premise licenses any person or combination of persons may hold, directly or indirectly, in Massachusetts from 7 to 9. Click here to read the full advisory. Adam Barnosky is the…

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On Tuesday, September 24, the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) voted to approve a highly-regulated home delivery program for adult-use cannabis, as well as a pilot program for cannabis cafes. While voters approved home deliveries and cannabis cafes as part of the 2016 adult-use ballot initiative, regulations were initially delayed while the CCC opted to focus…

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September 12, 2019 Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission issues emergency regulation regarding “Inducements”. Order to take effect immediately, which prohibits the receipt of inducements by any person or company licensed to sell alcoholic beverages in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Click here for the full text of the regulation. Adam Barnosky is the Co-Leader of RIW’s Hospitality…

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