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…
Client Alert: Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission Issued Advisory Regarding “7-Store Limit” Increase
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…
POSTED IN: Hospitality Practice Group, News
Cannabis Cafes and Home Delivery Approved by State Regulators
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…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Cannabis, News
Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission Issues Emergency Regulation Regarding Licensee “Inducements”
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…
POSTED IN: Hospitality Practice Group, News
Cannabis Trends
Massachusetts adult-use cannabis industry is nearing full swing, with over twenty Marijuana Retailers opened in the state or licensed to sell and dozens of other companies in the queue. Here is a rundown of the latest developments in industry. State Regulators Create (Eventual) Pathway for Cannabis Cafes While voters in Massachusetts approved “cannabis cafes” as…
POSTED IN: Cannabis, Hospitality Practice Group
Food halls and “micro-business” aggregation dominate downtown Boston
RIW Hospitality and Real Estate Attorney Adam Barnosky’s recent article on Food halls and “micro-business” in downtown Boston was featured in the New England Real Estate Journal. Check out the Full article.
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Hospitality Practice Group, News
Client Alert: Updates Coming to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission
On September 5, 2018 the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) held an outreach seminar with attorneys and municipal counsel to discuss new rules and procedures covering retail license applications, annual renewals, website updates, and more. Information was provided by Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and ABCC leadership, including: Commissioner Jean Lorizio, Executive Director Ralph…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, At Your Service, Hospitality Practice Group
Client Alert: Governor Baker’s “Grand Bargain”
On June 28, 2018, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed a bill into law (H 4640) that will alter workplace pay and benefits for employers and employees across the state. Below is a synopsis of the bill: Hourly Minimum Wage Increases. Hourly wages will increase progressively from $11 to $15 per hour by 2023. It is estimated…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Employment Law, Hospitality Practice Group, News
Alcohol Licensing: Legal Updates and Insights
There have been several recent developments in the alcoholic beverages industry which affect regulatory oversight, restaurant operations, new liquor licenses, and more. Here is a rundown of the latest developments. Budget Increase Requested for the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg requested a $3.69MM budget for fiscal 2019, an increase from $2.44MM…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, At Your Service, Hospitality Practice Group, News
Alcohol Licensing Updates
MA Court Rules in Favor of Retail Sales of Discounted Booze: In a case brought by retail superstore Total Wines which appealed a decision of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (“ABCC”), a Boston judge ruled that state retailers can sell alcohol at steep discounts when they order in bulk. The ABCC issued a several day liquor…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Hospitality Practice Group, News