In an attempt to protect the small Massachusetts-owned package stores that operate across the Commonwealth, the Legislature has long prohibited the sellers from discounting the product below the invoice cost.
A bill I have introduced in the Legislature,
House Bill 345, would not lift this restriction. What it would do is allow any retailer, large or small, to offer coupons to its consumers.
In Massachusetts, the alcohol regulatory system is built on control practices that balance consumer demand and commercial interests against public safety concerns. The primary public safety objective is preventing the return of predatory corporate conduct that encourages the reintroduction of cheap alcohol. A return of monopolies is another concern.
Do you feel allowing coupons will be good for consumers or bad for safety?
There is a poll on this link that when last checked was 90% in favor of lifting coupon ban.!
