Massachusetts § 40 - License to sell milk or cream required; contents; display
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 40 — License to sell milk or cream required; contents; display, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 40. License to sell milk or cream required; contents; display
Section 40. No person, except a producer or dealer selling milk to other than consumers, or selling not more than twenty quarts per day to consumers, shall deliver, exchange, expose for sale or sell or have in his custody or possession with intent so to do any milk or cream in any town where an inspector of milk is appointed, without obtaining from such inspector a license which shall contain the number thereof, the name and place of business. A license issued to a partnership or corporation shall be issued in the business name of said partnership or corporation and shall contain the names in full of the partners and managers of said partnership or officers of said corporation. The license shall, for the purposes of sections forty to forty-two, inclusive, be conclusive evidence of ownership and shall not be sold, assigned or transferred. No person, other than a producer selling milk or cream, or both, shall display the word ''dairy'' on any vehicle used by him or his authorized agent in the business of selling milk or cream, unless such person has a license, in full force and effect, issued under section forty-eight A. Whoever in such a town engages in the business of selling milk or cream from any vehicle for household deliveries shall display conspicuously on the outside of each vehicle so used the name and principal place of business of the licensee in Gothic letters not less than one and one-half inches in height. Whoever in such a town engages in the business of selling milk or cream in a store, booth, stand or market place shall have his license conspicuously posted therein.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 40
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 40 cover?
Section 40 ("License to sell milk or cream required; contents; display") 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 § 40?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 40" (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 § 40 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.