Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signs law expanding happy hour and late‑night alcohol service

Governor Maura Healey signed a law that lets Massachusetts cities and towns opt in to designated public drinking zones and to extend bar last‑call hours up to 3 a.m. for the summer. The measures, which also allow municipalities to permit a one‑hour extension of existing alcohol licenses, are intended to boost nightlife, support local businesses, and attract and retain young professionals. Healey highlighted the timing around the World Cup and other summer events as an opportunity to test the changes. The bill requires each community to choose whether to adopt the provisions and includes a mandate for the state to study the impact on public safety and behavior.

The legislation reverses the state’s decades‑old ban on happy‑hour discounts, a move Healey said could create more vibrant social spaces for residents and visitors alike.