Massachusetts § 47 - Coffee and tea houses
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 47 — Coffee and tea houses, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 47. Coffee and tea houses
Section 47. No coffee house, so called, or tea house or place of resort for refreshment where the principal business is or purports to be the sale of coffee or tea as a beverage shall be maintained in any town which accepts this section, or has accepted corresponding provisions of earlier laws, by a vote of a city council or by vote of a town at a town meeting, until a license therefor has been granted by the licensing authorities. The fee for the license shall be five dollars or such other sum as shall be fixed from time to time by the city council or selectmen. Licenses issued hereunder shall expire on May first following the date of issue, and may be revoked at any time by the licensing authorities. Whoever violates this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 47
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 47 cover?
Section 47 ("Coffee and tea houses") 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 § 47?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 47" (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 § 47 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.