Happy hour in assisted living? In some places, it’s still a novelty — or simply not allowed.
Depending on liquor laws, which vary by state and local jurisdiction, some senior living communities cannot sell alcohol to residents. Others host regular happy hours and wine tastings, some offer a BYOB option, and still others operate full bars on-site.
In Massachusetts, alcohol in assisted living may soon become a reality, according to local reports this week on a state bill that has recently passed in Massachusetts’ Senate. The bill would allow towns to grant liquor licenses to continuing care retirement communities that have a certified assisted living component, WickedLocal reports.
“These are high-end facilities and residents there deserve to be able to enjoy a beverage of their choice with their meals,” said State Rep. Paul McMurty, D-Dedham, who filed the bill.
In Massachusetts, the number of liquor licenses that can be issued in a town is based on the town’s population. The bill’s opponents say that granting liquor licenses to CCRCs could deter new businesses from coming into the towns, due to the lack of liquor licenses available.
Read the coverage by WickedLocal.com.
Written by Elizabeth Ecker
