State controls alcohol in cities and towns by quota system — one all-alcohol license for bars, clubs., etc., per 1,000 people, one wine-beer only licensed bar or club per 1,000 people, one off-premise store selling liquor per 5,000 people, one wine-beer store only license per 5,000 people; all restaurants, bars, clubs serving alcohol must post a list of drink prices; no free drinks may be offered except wine tastings; no discount or special price days for drinks (“happy hours” prohibited); two-drink limit per person at one time; pitchers of beer may be served to two or more people only; no games involving drinking permitted; alcoholic beverages may not be donated or awarded as prizes; beer kegs sold at retail stores limited to two gallons.
State law prohibits bars from offering happy hour discounts on the premise that they encourage binge drinking. Massachusetts was the first state to ban happy hour but seven other states also do so: Alaska, Indiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Vermont and Utah.