Laws Governing Alcohol

Various statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and regulations of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission govern the sale, acquisition, possession, transportation and consumption of alcoholic beverages. In general, some of the pertinent statutes provide that:

• No person or group shall sell, deliver, purchase or otherwise procure alcoholic beverages for consumption by a person who is under 21 years of age. Violators are subject to arrest, criminal charges, fines and imprisonment.
• No person shall operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic beverages. Violators are subject to arrest, fines, mandatory court education programs, loss of license and/or imprisonment.
• No person under 21 years of age shall transport, purchase, sell, deliver, possess or receive or otherwise procure alcoholic beverages except in the course of employment. Violators are subject to arrest, criminal charges, fines and imprisonment.
• No person, group or organization may sell alcoholic beverages except pursuant to license granted by the Commonwealth through the local government's licensing authority.