State Rep. pushes to repeal colonial-era law, instate earlier alcohol sales on Sundays
Photo | Matt Wright
Repealing the A Beautiful Brunch Act would allow alcohol sales starting at 8 a.m. on Sundays.
A colonial-era law prevents alcohol sales any earlier than 10 a.m. on Sundays. In "A Beautiful Brunch Act," or the ABBA Bill, Rep. Adam Scanlon is trying to change that.
In Massachusetts, alcohol can be served as early as 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday. But on Sundays, that start time is at least two hours later — something Scanlon discovered when a constituent told him about an experience trying to order a mimosa in Provincetown at 9 a.m. Scanlon's bill (HD 4982) would allow drinks to be poured starting at 8 a.m. Sundays.
"From the research we've been able to find, it suggests that the reason the 10 a.m. law is in place is because Massachusetts has what are known as 'blue laws.' And although Massachusetts has taken steps to repeal or reform many of those, there are still many on the books like that, which has an impact on service," the North Attleborough Democrat said.
The state's so-called blue laws stem from Puritan laws meant to promote morality and religion, and those still on the books regulate which businesses can legally open on Sundays and holidays, and when alcohol can be sold. The complete ban on Sunday alcohol sales was not lifted until 2004.
"It's hard for me to justify having one day of the week, specifically a Sunday, fixed for obviously religious reasons, in today's modern age," Scanlon said.
He said he has worked on policy around addiction and "I don't really feel this would cause any undue burden on public safety."
"The governor has taken a lot of time to talk about what regulations can be repealed to make our state more business-friendly," Scanlon added, referring to Gov. Maura Healey's May announcement that her administration cut or amended a quarter of all regulations under the oversight of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.
The bill was filed July 30, and the Senate on Monday agreed with the House in referring the bill to the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
Asked why he wanted the bill title to reference the '70s Swedish pop group ABBA, Scanlon said, "ABBA is a popular band in the LGBTQ community, and LGBTQ people enjoy brunches from time to time."
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