Quotas & Special Acts

Quotas

The Massachusetts Liquor Control Act places a quota or limit on the number of alcoholic beverages licenses a city or town can issue. The quota is based on the population of the community as determined by the most recent federal census.*Quotas are based on Federal Census 2020 (29,571)

Based on the imposed quota, the only licenses available for issuance are seasonal wine & malt on-premise licenses. In accordance with Chapter 494 Acts 2004, after demonstrated responsible use, the licensee can apply to convert the seasonal license to an annual license. The licensee is subject to a one time $5,000 conversion fee (installment payments available.)

Special Acts

  • Chapter 109 Acts 2016 (PDF) an act authorizing the City of Northampton to grant additional licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on premises.
  • Chapter 126 Acts 2014 (PDF) an act authorizing the City of Northampton to issue an additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on premises.
  • Chapter 144 Acts 2008 (PDF) an act authorizing the City of Northampton to convert five (5) seasonal licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises to annual licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises.
  • Chapter 494 Acts 2004 (PDF) an act authorizing the City of Northampton to convert seasonal licenses for the sale of wines and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises to annual licenses for the sale of wines and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises.
  • Chapter 500 Acts 1985 (PDF) an act authorizing the City of Northampton to issue an additional license for the sale of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises to the Faculty Center at Smith College.