Massachusetts § 38 - Transaction of retail drug business; registration; permit; display of permit
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 38 — Transaction of retail drug business; registration; permit; display of permit, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 38. Transaction of retail drug business; registration; permit; display of permit
Section 38. No store or retail food store pharmacy department or retail store pharmacy department shall be kept open for the transaction of the retail drug business, or be advertised or represented as transacting such business, by means of any sign or advertisement containing the words ''drug store'', ''pharmacy'', ''apothecary'', ''drug'', ''drugs'', ''medicine shop'', or any combination of such words, or otherwise, unless it is registered with, and a permit therefor has been issued by the board as provided in the following section; provided, however, that said words, or any of them, may, with the written permission of the board, be used with respect to a store or retail food store pharmacy department or retail store pharmacy department not registered with, and not having a permit issued by, the board as aforesaid, if in the town, or voting precinct thereof, where such store or retail food store pharmacy department or retail store pharmacy department is located there is no store or retail food store pharmacy department or retail store pharmacy department so registered and having such a permit. Such permit shall be displayed in a conspicuous place in the store or retail food store pharmacy department or retail store pharmacy department for which it is issued. The word ''town'', as used in this section, shall not include city. Identification of a retail food store pharmacy department or retail store pharmacy department by use of the words ''drug store'', ''pharmacy'', ''apothecary'', ''drug'', ''drugs'', ''medicine shop'', or any combination thereof shall be restricted to the area registered by the board for the transaction of the retail drug business.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 38
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 38 cover?
Section 38 ("Transaction of retail drug business; registration; permit; display of permit") 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 § 38?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 38" (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 § 38 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.