Bill would allow more beer and wine sales in Mass.
(AP) - Beer and wine could soon be sold at more supermarkets in Massachusetts under a bill approved by the state House of Representatives.
The measure passed by a 147-5 margin on Wednesday would gradually increase the number of liquor licenses that can be held by a single company.
Under current law, companies that own multiple stores around the state can sell beer and wine at no more than three of those stores. The bill - which has also won approval in the Senate - would allow for two additional licenses in 2012, two in 2016 and two more in 2020.
A group that represents supermarkets has agreed to drop a proposed ballot question for next year if the bill becomes law.
A similar ballot question was defeated by voters in 2006.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
