Photo: Jeromey Russ/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure heard arguments about lifting the state's ban on happy hour on Monday.
Massachusetts is one of eight states in the country that currently ban happy-hour drink specials. The state implemented the ban after organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving advocated for legislation to reduce alcohol-related fatalities in the 1980's. Since then, several unsuccessful measures have been presented to lift the ban.
Three bills were debated. Lifting the ban could prove to be lucrative for businesses and a communal boost for residents.
"It provides an opportunity for people to get together, to decompress after work, remove some cost barriers," one supporter of the proposal said.
The ban has been in place since 1984 and while efforts continue to legalize happy hour once again, not everyone supports the proposed legislation.
"I think it's a little careless to offer happy hour, you know, only because people drink and drive," one resident stated.
Although some Bay Staters proclaim that selling alcohol is probably good for business but not for society, one man was still open to the idea when asked if he would partake in a happy hour special if presented with the opportunity.
"Probably once in a while," one local said.
WBZ NewsRadio's Jeromey Russ (@JeromeyRuss) reports.