On March 15, 2020, stemming from concerns about COVID-19, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued an order prohibiting on-premises bar and restaurant operations. The order, effective Tuesday, March 17 through April 5, 2020 (unless otherwise extended) states, in part “Any restaurant, bar or establishment that offers food or drink shall not permit on-premises consumption of food…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, COVID-19, Hospitality Practice Group, News
On February 5, 2020, the Massachusetts House approved a bill that would regulate host community agreements and related caps on payments from marijuana companies. If the bill is passed by the Senate and signed into law, it would grant the Cannabis Control Commission authority to review and regulate host community agreements as part of the…
POSTED IN: Cannabis, Hospitality Practice Group, News
This article was originally posted on Boston Magazine. Starting a new restaurant requires months, if not years, of planning. From concept to financing, location scouting to staffing, the number of tasks is countless, and the hurdles never-ending. The most difficult issues arise not from the things you expect, but from the unknown and unanticipated like…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Hospitality Practice Group
On November 12, 2019, the Cannabis Control Commission, through its Executive Director, issued a quarantine order on vaporizing products, based on the determination that vaporizers “pose an immediate or serious threat to the public health, safety, or welfare and the quarantine is necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare.” The order is effective…
The Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission issued an advisory regarding the off-premise “7-Store Limit” increase, effective January 1, 2020. This law increases the number of off-premise licenses any person or combination of persons may hold, directly or indirectly, in Massachusetts from 7 to 9. Click here to read the full advisory. Adam Barnosky is the…
POSTED IN: Hospitality Practice Group, News
On Tuesday, September 24, the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) voted to approve a highly-regulated home delivery program for adult-use cannabis, as well as a pilot program for cannabis cafes. While voters approved home deliveries and cannabis cafes as part of the 2016 adult-use ballot initiative, regulations were initially delayed while the CCC opted to focus…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Cannabis, News
September 12, 2019 Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission issues emergency regulation regarding “Inducements”. Order to take effect immediately, which prohibits the receipt of inducements by any person or company licensed to sell alcoholic beverages in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Click here for the full text of the regulation. Adam Barnosky is the Co-Leader of RIW’s Hospitality…
POSTED IN: Hospitality Practice Group, News
Massachusetts adult-use cannabis industry is nearing full swing, with over twenty Marijuana Retailers opened in the state or licensed to sell and dozens of other companies in the queue. Here is a rundown of the latest developments in industry. State Regulators Create (Eventual) Pathway for Cannabis Cafes While voters in Massachusetts approved “cannabis cafes” as…
POSTED IN: Cannabis, Hospitality Practice Group
RIW Hospitality and Real Estate Attorney Adam Barnosky’s recent article on Food halls and “micro-business” in downtown Boston was featured in the New England Real Estate Journal. Check out the Full article.
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, Hospitality Practice Group, News
On September 5, 2018 the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) held an outreach seminar with attorneys and municipal counsel to discuss new rules and procedures covering retail license applications, annual renewals, website updates, and more. Information was provided by Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and ABCC leadership, including: Commissioner Jean Lorizio, Executive Director Ralph…
POSTED IN: Articles & Quotes, At Your Service, Hospitality Practice Group
