Massachusetts has banned happy hour drink specials since 1984. That’s over 40 years of outdated policy—while small bars and restaurants are still struggling to recover from the pandemic.

Senator Julian Cyr is fighting to change that. His new bill would let cities and towns decide for themselves if they want to offer happy hour. It’s safe, local, and optional. But powerful industry lobbyists are pushing hard to block it—again.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts is one of only 8 states still enforcing this ban. Why? Not because of safety—it’s because of fear of competition. That’s not good policy, and it’s not fair to the small businesses trying to stay open year-round in places like Cape Cod, the Berkshires, and Worcester.

This isn’t about encouraging over-drinking—it’s about letting small business owners use the same tools as everyone else in the country to get people in the door during slow seasons. We already trust them to serve responsibly. Why not let them run a happy hour?

Tell the Massachusetts Legislature: Give us local control. Support small businesses. It’s time to bring back happy hour.

Sign this petition to support the passage of Senator Cyr’s “Act Relative to Conviviality and Downtown Revitalization.”