Massachusetts § 321 - Definitions applicable to Secs. 321 to 327
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 321 — Definitions applicable to Secs. 321 to 327, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 321. Definitions applicable to Secs. 321 to 327
Section 321. In sections three hundred and twenty-one to three hundred and twenty-seven, inclusive, the following definitions shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meaning:
''Beverage'', soda water or similar carbonated soft drinks, mineral water, and beer and other malt beverages, but shall not include alcoholic beverages other than beer and malt beverages as defined in chapter one hundred and thirty-eight, dairy products, natural fruit juices or wine.
''Beverage container'', any sealable bottle, can, jar, or carton which is primarily composed of glass, metal, plastic or any combination of those materials and is produced for the purpose of containing a beverage. This definition shall not include containers made of biodegradeable material.
''Bottler'', any person filling beverage containers for sale to distributors or dealers, including dealers who bottle or sell their own brand of beverage.
''Consumer'', any person who purchases a beverage in a beverage container for use or consumption with no intent to resell such beverage.
''Dealer'', any person, including any operator of a vending machine, who engages in the sale of beverages in beverage containers to consumers in the commonwealth.
''Distributor'', any person who engages in the sale of beverages in beverage containers to dealers in the commonwealth including any bottler who engages in such sales.
''Label'', a molded imprint or raised symbol on or near the bottom of a plastic product.
''Plastic'', any material made of polymeric organic compounds and additives that can be shaped by flow.
''Plastic bottle'', a plastic container that has a neck that is smaller than the body of the container, accepts a screwtype, snap cap or other closure and has a capacity of sixteen fluid ounces or more, but less than five gallons.
''Rigid plastic container'', any formed or molded container, other than a bottle, intended for single use, composed predominantly of plastic resin and having a relatively inflexible finite shape or form with a capacity of eight ounces or more but less than five gallons.
''Reuseable beverage container'', any beverage container so constructed and designed that it is structurally capable of being refilled and resold by a bottler at least ten times after its initial use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 321
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 321 cover?
Section 321 ("Definitions applicable to Secs. 321 to 327") 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 § 321?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 321" (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 § 321 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.