Lawmaker retreats from Happy Hour pitch

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Senator Robert Hedlund, a Republican from Hingham, is backing away from his Senate-passed casino amendment that proposes to return Happy Hour to Massachusetts. Instead, he’s suggesting that the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission review its regulations on bars and restaurants and propose revisions.
Hedlund said the 6-member casino bill conference committee tasked with consolidating the House and Senate versions of the expanded gaming bill can make changes to his amendment. “There might be some area of compromise there that they come out of this that instead of everyone being polarized there might be some agreement,” said Hedlund.

The Hingham Republican’s change of tone comes after facing heavy criticism from the public – and his own constituents – for on one hand, supporting stronger drunk driving penalties and on the other, discounted drinks in bars and restaurants.

“I mean you cannot have it both ways,” said Erin Brenton, whose sister was killed by a drunk driver. “You cannot advocate for tougher drunk driving laws, but yet he’s the one who brought the Happy Hour amendment into the casino bill.”

Hedlund maintains that a Happy Hour will not increase drunk driving statistics and it will help bars and restaurants compete with casinos. But he realizes his amendment is unpopular, which was confirmed by Conference Committee member Rep. Joe Wagner (D-Chicopee). “Do I think that personally that [amendment] is perhaps a longer shot than some other things, my gut tells me yes,” said Wagner.

Senator Hedlund said the intent of his amendment is to help businesses attract customers and create jobs, and he’s willing to try an alternative approach to achieve that end.