Easthampton gains more liquor licenses under new state law

Gov. Maura Healey signed legislation Oct. 21 that gives Easthampton more time to issue liquor licenses that were authorized in 2020 but expired unawarded during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Easthampton announced Oct. 22.

The bill, H.5547, extends the three-year deadline that had allowed those licenses to lapse, letting the city award additional licenses in the Downtown district, the Mill District and the Highway Business District.

Rep. Homar Gómez, the bill's sponsor, said in a statement that "expanding alcohol licenses gives Easthampton more than just new places to gather; it gives passionate local entrepreneurs the chance to build their dreams right here at home," adding that new establishments "create jobs, attract visitors, and strengthen the vibrant community fabric that makes our local economy thrive."

Sen. John Velis said he worked with Gómez to move the home-rule petition through the Senate and was "glad that the Governor has officially signed it into law."

Mayor Derby said the legislation "ensures our local hospitality scene can keep pace" with the city's momentum, crediting state partners for "restoring these licenses" to help entrepreneurs "breathe new life into our historic mill buildings, expand our dining options, and write the next great chapter for our downtown."

Governor Healey said in a statement that the law gives "Easthampton more flexibility to create new opportunities for local entrepreneurs and bring more people into its vibrant commercial districts."

Liquor licenses are approved by the Easthampton Licensing Board and the state's Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Those seeking more information can contact the Licensing Department by emailing licensing@easthamptonma.gov or calling Licensing Clerk Evan LeBeau at (413) 529-1400.

Source: Town of Easthampton announcement, October 23, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.