Massachusetts § 25 - Obstructing view of restaurant or tavern patrons; barricaded entrances

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 25 — Obstructing view of restaurant or tavern patrons; barricaded entrances, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 25. Obstructing view of restaurant or tavern patrons; barricaded entrances

Section 25. Any person owning, managing or controlling a restaurant, tavern or other place in any town, where food or drink is sold to the public to be consumed upon the premises or required to be licensed under chapter one hundred and thirty-eight, and any employee of such person, who provides, maintains, uses or permits the use of a booth, stall or enclosure of any description whatever which is so closed by curtains, screens or other devices that the persons within cannot at any time plainly be seen by other persons in such restaurant, tavern or other place, or in any division thereof, unless the enclosure is approved by the licensing authorities, and any person conducting such an establishment who maintains barred or barricaded entrances or exits thereto or other devices or appliances designed to impede access thereto by police officers, official inspectors and other officers entitled to enter the same, shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty nor more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 25

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 25 cover?

Section 25 ("Obstructing view of restaurant or tavern patrons; barricaded entrances") 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 § 25?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 25" (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 § 25 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.