Massachusetts § 177 - Licensing for billiards, pool or sippio table or bowling alley; public hearing

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 177 — Licensing for billiards, pool or sippio table or bowling alley; public hearing, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 177. Licensing for billiards, pool or sippio table or bowling alley; public hearing

Section 177. The licensing board of Boston, the license commission of Lowell, the aldermen of any other city, and the selectmen of any town may grant and may suspend or revoke at pleasure a license which shall be subject to sections two hundred and two to two hundred and five, inclusive, to a person to keep a billiard, pool or sippio table or a bowling alley for hire, gain or reward, upon such terms and conditions as they deem proper, to be used for amusement merely and not for the purpose of gaming for money or for property.

No original license shall be granted under the provisions of this section, except after a public hearing by the appropriate licensing authority, notice of the time and place of which shall have been given, at the expense of the applicant, by the clerk of such licensing authority, by publication not less than seven days prior thereto in a newspaper, if any, published in the city or town of application; otherwise, in the county in which such city or town lies; and notice of which shall also have been given by the applicant, by registered mail, not less than seven days prior to such hearing, to all owners of real estate abutting on the the land on which is located the premises for which said license is sought or directly opposite said land on any public or private street as such owners appear on the most recent local tax list at the time the application for such license is filed.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 177

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 177 cover?

Section 177 ("Licensing for billiards, pool or sippio table or bowling alley; public hearing") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 177?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 177" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 177 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.