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June 10, 2026


Governor Healey Signs Bill Allowing Bars to Stay Open until 3 AM for World Cup, Summer Events

Yesterday, Governor Maura Healey signed An Act authorizing municipalities to opt-in to a temporary pilot to extend the hours of liquor licenses and to allow for public consumption in designated districts in summer 2026. The bill temporarily allows bars to serve alcohol for one additional hour beyond the time set forth in the establishment’s license, but not to exceed 3:00 AM, for the period of June 8, 2026, until July 31, 2026, subject to any applicable local rules or regulations and any conditions placed upon its license.  The bill’s passage was promoted to allow more opportunities for communities to gather to celebrate and watch the FIFA 2026 World Cup, and events later this summer including MA250 and the Tall Ships.

RAM MEMBER ALERT!



The MA Special Legislative Commission to Study the Future of Payments and Sales Transactions by Credit Card will hold its third hearing next week on Monday June 15, at 11:00 AM (details).  This is another opportunity for members to share or submit testimony: 

  • Do you pay too much in swipe fees to the credit card companies? 
  • Do you have any leverage in dealing with credit card companies when disputes arise?
  • Can your business afford to keep operating under the status quo?  

Credit and Debit Card ‘Swipe’ Fees Cost a Record $198.25 Billion in 2025
 

As a RAM member, a retailer, restauranteur, auto service shop or any other type of seller, you know this story.  You know well the challenges that small businesses face every day and the compounding effect that the ever-increasing interchange and swipe fees have on your ability to run your business and stay competitive.  The Commission was established, by law, in response to RAM and others continued legislative push to eliminate the statutory prohibition on surcharging a customer that elects to pay by credit card, and to expose the overall swipe fee crisis.  RAM was named to a seat on the Commission.  And now to help make the case for solutions, we need to set the stage. 

The Commission and your legislators need to hear from YOU!
 
Click here to email the Commission and your legislators.

 

RAM Sponsored Survey Shows Voters Focused on Costs & Affordability Issues

Heading into this summer, Massachusetts voters have a lot of concerns, and a recent RAM sponsored poll shows that those concerns are laser-focused on the “pocketbook” issues they face every day.  RAM’s fifth annual voter survey, conducted in early May by Polity Research Consulting, checked in on the current overall mood of voters.  When asked an open-ended question about the ‘most important problems’ facing the state, eight of the top ten responses deal with some aspects of the cost of living in Massachusetts, ranging from energy and housing to health care and groceries.  See the results of the poll here.

THE MAIN STREET
MATTERS TOUR 

 

THURSDAY
June 25
8:30 to 10 AM

 


Nashoba Valley
Chamber of Commerce
2 Shaker Rd Ste B200
Shirley, MA

 


JOIN RAM as we partner with the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce, NFIB and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association.
 

Businesses are the backbone of our economy and your voice matters. The Main Street Matters Tour brings together business leaders from across the region to discuss the real challenges you’re facing, connect with fellow employers, and gain insight into the latest developments on Beacon Hill.
 
This is your chance to engage in meaningful conversation on the issues impacting your business; hear directly from leading statewide business advocates; and understand how you can influence policy decisions that affect your bottom line.


You may register directly on the NFIB website or you may email RAM directly at [email protected].