South Hadley could grant six alcohol licenses in designated districts

South Hadley’s licensing authority could approve six licenses to sell all types of alcoholic drinks. Businesses must be in the Route 202 & 33, Village Commons, South Hadley Falls, or Newton Street/Lyman Street districts shown on the town’s February 19, 2026, zoning map. The town would approve applications and set license conditions. On-site drinking would be limited to dining rooms of licensed eating establishments and other public areas the authority approves in writing. Initial licenses would have to be issued within three years after the act takes effect, which would be upon passage.

The licensing authority would keep each license in its original district and could reissue it to another applicant. These rules would cover all six licenses. A license that ends, is not renewed, is cancelled or revoked, or falls out of use must return to the authority. A new applicant under the transfer rule must provide state tax and unemployment agency letters confirming good standing and payment of applicable taxes, fees, and contributions. Licenses first issued within the three-year window could be reissued to new applicants after that window closes.