other2025-098
Formally adopt the Section 12d license conversion as approved by City Council Bill 2025-098.
—Section 12D License Conversion (Bill 2025-098)
2025-098 · LICENSE · POLICY · 2025
An Order to to accept the provisions of MGL Chapter 138 Section 12D
The City Council adopts the state’s new §12D provision to let the local licensing authority convert an on-premises wine-and-malt license to a full all-alcohol license, even when no such license is available. The Amesbury Liquor License Commission would handle conversions with ABCC oversight and public notice. This change expands options for local businesses without creating new licenses.
approved CITYWIDEBUSINESS DISTRICT
- STEP 1SubmittedSEP 09 2025
- STEP 2 · CURRENTApprovedSEP 23 2025
AI summary · plain-language
Amesbury is adopting the provisions of G.L. Chapter 138, Section 12D, to empower the Amesbury Liquor License Commission to convert an on-premises license to sell wine and malt beverages to an on-premises license to sell all alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption, even if there are no all-alcohol licenses available under quota. The process requires approval by both the local licensing authority and the ABCC, and must follow notice, publication, and public hearing requirements. The converted license will count against the city’s license quota, cannot be transferred, and, if unused, reverts to the original wine-and-malt license. The municipality may impose a local processing fee as part of the conversion process.
Key provisions
§1 Accepts G.L. c.138, §12D to allow conversion of wine-and-malt licenses to all-alcohol licenses.
§2 Conversion requires approval by the local licensing authority and ABCC.
§3 Converted licenses count against the municipality's quota and cannot be transferred.
§4 Conversion requires notice, publication, certified mailing, a public hearing, and ABCC approval with a $200 fee.
Discussed at meetings
Liquor License CommissionLiquor License Commission Meeting
City CouncilCity Council Meeting
refer2025-098
Councilor Gilday moved to refer 2025-098 to O&A with a second reading at the September 23rd City Council Meeting.