With a sweep of her pen, Gov. Maura Healey signed proposed changes to the state’s liquor licensing rules into law, allowing permanent residents and green-card holders to apply for and receive licenses.
The provision was included in the $4 billion economic development bond bill Healey signed into law last month.
“This is good for Massachusetts,” said Ralph Sacramone, executive director of the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission ., which has jurisdiction over licensing.
The changes, already in effect throughout the state, allow any documented immigrant to apply for a liquor license, Sacramone said. In the past, a noncitizen could be a shareholder in a corporation or a limited liability company that was issued a liquor license, but could not be a sole proprietor of a business or company, or be in a straight partnership, and qualify for a liquor license.
“We have been advocating for this change for years,” Sacramone said. “It’s a change that is very good for everybody.”