WORCESTER, Mass. - For the past four decades, happy hour discounts on alcoholic beverages have been banned in Massachusetts, but several bills in the Massachusetts Legislature could bring the popular promotions back.

State Senator Julian Cyr argues the motivations behind the happy hour ban put in place back in 1984 are less relevant in the modern day, particularly when there have been so many other strategies introduced to curb drunk driving.

“Massachusetts has among some of the lowest rates of drunk driving in the country, we’ve implemented strict penalties around operating under the influence and raised the drinking age to 21,” Cyr said. “We’ve mandated seatbelt laws and we’ve had the advent of ride-sharing services to help people get home.”

Massachusetts is one of just eight states still keeping happy hour off the menu, banning bars and restaurants from selling alcoholic beverages at a price lower than what’s charged to the general public that day.

Senator Cyr believes this is a missed opportunity.

“I really believe this is a tool that can be used to help attract foot traffic back to our downtowns and main streets, particularly in the aftermath of COVID-19,” Cyr said. “We’ve seen a real change in work patterns and how people are visiting these places, and it would really enable us to support local small businesses.”

The bill would allow cities and towns to decide for themselves whether to bring back happy hour, but some in the industry like Steve Clark, President of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, aren’t as optimistic about the impact it could have on struggling bars and restaurants.

“Talking to restaurant owners every single day about their operations and how they build their business in Massachusetts, it’s not a high priority for restaurant owners,” Cyr said. “It seems we have this conversation frequently because it’s a hot topic and people love talking about discounted Bud Lights, but at the end of the day, there’s far bigger issues for the restaurant industry that happy hour isn’t going to address.”

Senator Cyr also acknowledged there are plenty of other strategies needed to help Massachusetts restaurants. Clark hopes the Massachusetts Legislature also gives serious consideration to the issues he feels are a higher priority.

“What they’re looking for relief from is the cost of doing business operating in Massachusetts, whether it’s health insurance, the cost of operating your business, or credit card fees,” Clark said. “Credit card fees are the third highest cost on a restaurant right now.”

A hearing for Senator Cyr’s bill was held Monday in the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. A similar bill was introduced last year, but didn’t end up passing.