Massachusetts § 33 - Temporary licenses to sell articles for charitable purposes; fees

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 33 — Temporary licenses to sell articles for charitable purposes; fees, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 33. Temporary licenses to sell articles for charitable purposes; fees

Section 33. The selectmen in a town or in a city such board or officer as may be designated by ordinance may, under such conditions as they may deem proper, grant to any organization engaged exclusively in charitable work, or to a post of any incorporated organization of veterans who served in the military or naval service of the United States in time of war or insurrection, a special license authorizing it, upon a particular day and for a charitable purpose named in such license, to sell, through its accredited agents in the streets and other public places within such city or town, or in any designated part thereof, flags, badges, medals, buttons, flowers, souvenirs, and similar small articles; provided, that no person under sixteen years of age shall be accredited as such agent, that each agent shall wear in plain sight while engaged in selling such articles a badge, provided by such organization or post and approved by the authority issuing the license, bearing upon it the name of such organization or post and the date on which the license is to be exercised, and that no such agent shall be authorized to make or attempt to make such sales in front of any private premises against the objection of the owner or occupant thereof. The exercise of the licenses hereby provided for shall be subject to the provisions of all statutes, ordinances, by-laws, rules and regulations not inconsistent herewith. The fee for such a license shall be established in a town by town meeting action and in a city by city council action, and in a town with no town meeting by town council action, by adoption of appropriate by-laws and ordinances to set such fees, but in no event shall any such fee be greater than ten dollars.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 33

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 33 cover?

Section 33 ("Temporary licenses to sell articles for charitable purposes; fees") 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 § 33?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 33" (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 § 33 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.