Buying Beer At Target In Massachusetts: Is It Possible?

In Massachusetts, an entity can own only up to three liquor store licenses, which is why you may find that some stores in a chain sell alcohol while others do not. This rule is in place to allow independent stores to compete. The number of licenses allowed per corporation has increased over the years, and currently, the limit is nine. While some Target stores in Massachusetts, such as the ones in Wilmington and Fenway, do sell alcohol, it is unclear whether beer is among the alcoholic beverages offered.

Target in Wilmington, MA, sells beer, wine and spirits

In the state of Massachusetts, an entity can own up to three liquor store licenses, which means that only three stores of the same chain can sell alcohol. The number of licenses available to a corporation has increased over the years, with seven being the current number, and it will go up to nine in 2020 per a 2011 law.

The Target store in Wilmington, MA, is one of the few Target stores in the state that sells beer, wine, and spirits. Alcohol availability varies by store and may not be eligible for same-day delivery or pickup services in some locations. The Wilmington store offers a range of alcoholic beverages, including hard seltzers, canned cocktails, wines, and spirits such as Jack Daniel's whiskey.

If you're looking to purchase beer, wine, or liquor from Target in Wilmington, it's recommended to check the store's website or give them a call to confirm the availability of specific products and their eligibility for same-day delivery or pickup services.

The Target Circle™360 membership program offers benefits such as free shipping and unlimited same-day delivery on orders over $35, which may include alcoholic beverages depending on the store's eligibility.

Beer and wine are sold at Trader Joe's on Memorial Drive in Cambridge

In the US, the sale of alcohol is regulated by individual states, with Massachusetts imposing a limit of seven liquor licenses per company. This has created issues for large retailers, but the cap is in place to protect small, independent liquor stores.

Trader Joe's on Memorial Drive in Cambridge, MA, previously sold beer and wine, but the store ceased these sales in October 2024. The store's liquor license was transferred to a nearby specialty food shop, Salt & Olives, located at 1160 Massachusetts Ave. The Trader Joe's located on Alewife Brook Pkwy in Cambridge also does not sell alcohol.

However, a new Trader Joe's location in Allston, scheduled to open in mid-October 2024, will sell beer and wine, as well as spirits. This larger store will be the company's 20th in Massachusetts.

While Target does sell beer, wine, and liquor in some locations, it is unclear if its stores in Massachusetts are among these.

Alcohol availability varies by Target store and location

In Massachusetts, there are regulations in place that limit the number of liquor store licenses that a single entity can own. This regulation helps independent stores compete with larger chains. The cap on liquor store licenses per entity has increased over time and is set to continue rising. As of 2020, the limit was nine licenses per corporation in the state.

The availability of alcohol at Target stores in Massachusetts may be subject to these regulations and could impact whether a particular store offers beer, wine, or liquor. It is worth noting that alcohol availability at Target stores can also depend on factors such as local laws, population, and competition from other retailers.

While some Target locations in Massachusetts may offer a selection of alcoholic beverages, it is always a good idea to check with the specific store or refer to their website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding alcohol availability.

A maximum of 9 liquor store licences per corporation in Massachusetts by 2020

In Massachusetts, the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) is responsible for regulating the sale of alcoholic beverages, including beer. The specific rules regarding beer sales in Target stores in Massachusetts may vary, but I can provide some general information about alcohol licensing in the state.

Regarding your request for paragraphs on "A maximum of 9 liquor store licences per corporation in Massachusetts by 2020", here is some detailed information:

Massachusetts has strict laws regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages, and the number of liquor licenses available is limited. As of 2020, the maximum number of liquor store licenses allowed per corporation in Massachusetts was nine. This limit was set by a law passed in 2011, which gradually increased the number of licenses permitted over time. Prior to this law, the maximum number of licenses was set at three, but the 2011 legislation increased this number to five, with further increases to seven in 2016, and finally, nine in 2020. This law ensured that independent stores could compete with larger chains by limiting the number of licenses available to any one corporation.

The specific type of license required for selling beer depends on whether it is intended for on-premises or off-premises consumption. On-premises consumption refers to drinking at a restaurant, hotel, club, or bar, while off-premises consumption refers to purchasing alcohol from a package store, supermarket, or convenience store. The Local Licensing Authorities (LLAs) are responsible for issuing these licenses, with approval from the ABCC.

To obtain a license for on-premises consumption, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, over 21 years old, and have no prior convictions for violating federal or state narcotic drug laws. Similar requirements apply to partnerships and corporations, with additional conditions regarding the citizenship and residency of directors and shareholders.

For off-premises consumption licenses, the requirements are slightly different. Individuals must be citizens and residents of Massachusetts, in addition to being over 21 years old. Again, similar requirements apply to partnerships and corporations, with specific provisions for directors and shareholders. It's important to note that any applicant with a felony conviction is disqualified from obtaining this type of license.

The number of licenses available is also determined by a quota system based on the population of the municipality, as determined by the federal census. This ensures that the number of licenses is proportional to the number of residents in an area.

The laws regarding alcohol licensing in Massachusetts aim to balance the interests of various stakeholders, including consumers, small businesses, and large corporations. While some people may prefer more relaxed regulations, the current system seeks to maintain a level playing field for independent stores while still providing consumers with access to alcoholic beverages.

The Target near Fenway, Boston, sells alcohol

Alcohol laws in Massachusetts can be confusing, with many rules and restrictions. However, it is indeed possible to buy beer in Target in Massachusetts, as long as the store has the appropriate license. The Target store near Fenway, Boston, does sell alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits.

This Target store is located on Boylston Street in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston, and it has been the subject of some controversy regarding its alcohol sales. In 2017, the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) cited this particular Target store for violating a state rule that bans retailers from selling alcohol for less than they paid for it. The store briefly offered 15-can packs of beer for $11.99, which was less than the wholesale price of $14.25.

The ABCC's ruling could have resulted in a warning or suspension of the store's liquor license, but it is unclear what the final outcome was. Target claimed that the low price was an unintentional error and that they work to comply with state guidelines. This incident sparked a larger debate over minimum pricing for alcohol in the state, with small retailers arguing that they will be driven out of business if large retailers are allowed to implement predatory pricing schemes.

Despite this controversy, the Target near Fenway, Boston, does sell alcohol, and it is a convenient option for those looking to purchase beer, wine, or spirits in the area. It is worth noting that alcohol availability may vary by store and that not all Target locations in Massachusetts may sell alcohol.

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