Law Offices of John P. Connell, P.C.: A new policy has been adopted by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (“ABCC”) to simplify the application process for persons seeking retail alcoholic beverage licenses, such as those authorizing the sale of alcoholic beverages at restaurants, pubs, lounges and liquor stores. Effective Tuesday, May 28, 2013, the process aims to alleviate the delay applicants encountered while awaiting tax releases from both the Department of Revenue (“DOR”) and the Department of Unemployment Assistance (“DUA”). Such releases are required to confirm applicants’ compliance with Massachusetts tax laws.
Previously, applicants for retail alcoholic beverage licenses would submit their applications to the ABCC, which would then forward them to tax agencies for approval; a process that could take up to six weeks, even when applications were submitted correctly. Now, applicants are required to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing (“COGS”) from the DOR, which acts as an equivalent to DOR approval, and submit their applications with the COGS attached. Under this new process, applicants are in control of obtaining DOR approval, but they are assured of more efficient results. COGS can be found online at the DOR’s website.
The new ABCC policy applies to persons seeking “on-premises” licenses, or “pouring” licenses, issued under M.G.L. Ch. 138, §12; “One-day” liquor licenses, issued under M.G.L. Ch. 138, §14; and “off-premises” retail package store licenses, issued under M.G.L. Ch. 138, §15. The policy also applies to both applicants for new licenses and applicants desiring to renew existing licenses.
© Law Offices of John P. Connell, P.C., 2013.