A provision of the Massachusetts state budget passed at the end of June (H4800) amended MGL c.138, s.33 and s.33B to allow liquor sales at restaurants to begin at 10 a.m. on Sundays, effective immediately. Previously, sales were generally prohibited before noon, although s.33B did allow sales to begin at 11 with permission of the town. According to the Boston Globe, "[Phantom Gourmet's Dave] Andelman said the law will spark a booming brunch culture and especially help restaurants near Fenway Park and Gillette Stadium before 1 p.m. games."
Arizona also just passed amended their law regarding liquor sales on Sundays, but in their case, the new law (HB2123) allows sales to begin at 6 a.m., rather than 10 a.m. According to a news report, sports bars are among those happiest with the change. "It's amazing that when we open at 9 a.m. (in August), we'll be able to serve alcohol," said Doug Collins, owner and operator of The Tavern on Mill. "Once you get into football season, some games start early, so you have people in here waiting for the 10 o'clock hour to strike."
