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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Another push to bring back happy hour in Massachusetts was poured down the drain this week.
The state legislature passed a $4 billion Economic Development Bill Thursday, which includes hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for grants and programs, as well as several policy changes.
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One measure left off the bill was a proposal to end the state's happy hour ban, allowing bars and restaurants to offer discounted drink promotions before 10 p.m., provided any promotions are advertised at least three days in advance and prices do not change during the offer period.
Massachusetts banned happy hour in 1984 after a series of drunk driving incidents and remains the only state where such promotions are outlawed.
State Sen. Julian Cyr, who introduced the proposal, has tried repeatedly to overturn the ban, only for those efforts to fail time and time again.
"Much has changed since Massachusetts first enacted its happy hour ban in 1984," Cyr said in a statement. "Our drinking age has been firmly set at 21, we’ve put strong penalties in place to combat drunk driving, and the rise of ride-hailing apps has made it easier for people to plan safe nights out. Across the country, alcohol-related offenses are on the decline, and there’s little evidence to suggest that happy hour directly contributes to an increase in DUIs. Yet Massachusetts remains the only state with a total ban on happy hour.
"In the wake of COVID-19 and the shift to remote work, our local restaurants and bars are looking for ways to bring back foot traffic and strengthen our main streets and downtowns. This legislation would have allowed cities and towns the choice to enable happy hour and make the right call for their communities.
"It’s disappointing to see this measure not move forward, but I’m hopeful that in the future we’ll see support for a safe, responsible return of happy hour that respects both public safety and the needs of our small businesses."
Some Boston residents agree with Cyr that a lot has changed since the state originally banned happy hour.
"I mean, now we’re in the days of Ubers and Lyfts, so it’s much more accessible for people to navigate and work around drinking and social hour," Ben told WBZ NewsRadio. "Seems like a simple thing, and why they keep pushing it back onto the shelf, I’m really not sure about that."
"It’s hard to meet people when you’re a young professional just out of college," said Olivia.
When asked if Massachusetts should bring happy hour back, bartender Alejandro said, "No, not really." According to him, Bay Staters already drink enough.
WBZ's Madison Rogers (@MadisonWBZ) reports.
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