By Bob Katzen

A bill before the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee would allow non-citizens who are legally in the United States to be appointed manager on a license for the sale of alcoholic beverages. Under current law, these managers must be U.S. citizens and are also required to be on the premises at least 40 hours per week.

“This legislation was filed after a few restaurants … reached out and brought this issue to my attention,” said sponsor Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “Considering a significant portion of food industry employees are legal immigrants, it makes sense to allow them to be able to compete for these types of positions. Managerial positions are crucial to the success of any business, and this change would put Massachusetts in line with many other states and allow restaurants to expand their pool of qualified applicants.”