It might seem like Bostonians like to complain – traffic sucks, it's too damn hot outside (or too damn cold), this iced coffee from Dunks doesn't have enough ice – but oftentimes, it's with good reason. Take, for example, the laws governing alcohol sales, consumption, and distribution in our fair state. You don't need to spend much time here to know they could use a bit of updating, if not a major overhaul.
After a whistleblower exposed a network of pay-to-play scandals between local bars, restaurants, and distribution companies, and most recently Budweiser's parent company, AB InBev, was exposed for unlawfully giving away some $1 million worth of free equipment to various state retailers, the spotlight has never been more intense on the state's alcoholic underbelly. Add to that recent efforts to expand the practice of BYOB in Boston Area neighborhoods and bring back Happy Hour for good, and it seems like the wheels are finally beginning to grind forward.
Part of the state effort comes at the hands of Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, who is heading the Alcohol Task Force in an effort to identify and remedy problem areas across five broad categories:
- Alcohol Beverage Control Commission (ABCC) Operations and Resources
- Industry Improvements
- Licensing Process
- Local Economic Development
- Public Health, Safety and Prevention
If this all seems somewhat lofty and out of reach for the average consumer, news made public today might change your mind. The Task Force "announced the formation of five working groups as part of its review of the legal and regulatory framework governing the alcoholic beverage industry in Massachusetts" and "will use the groups to discuss proposed recommendations and action items from individuals, consumers, industry professionals, business owners and trade associations."
That means, you – yes, you – could sit on one of these groups and make your voice heard. All you have to do it complete on online survey by noon on Friday, July 7, to apply for a position.
The Task Force consists of appointees selected by Treasurer Goldberg, Governor Charles Baker, Senate President Stanley Rosenberg and Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo. You can read more on the website.
Photo by MCHart, CC BY 2.0.
