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Support of Amendment #745 to H5007

Report on Amendments to H5007 - An Act enabling partnerships for growth

OPPOSITION to H4590 (Formerly H475) - An Act relative to the sale of malt beverages produced by a pub brewery

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Massachusetts minimum wage is increasing in January; And another raise is coming in 2023

Updated: Dec. 03, 2021, 12:59 p.m. | Published: Dec. 03, 2021, 12:56 p.m.

By Heather Morrison | hmorrison@masslive.com

In less than a month, the Massachusetts minimum wage will be increasing to $14.25.

In 2021, the minimum wage in the commonwealth was $13.50, which had increased from 2020′s wage of $12.75.

The consistent yearly increases will continue through 2023 when the minimum wage will be $15.

“Minimum wage will go up in steps to reach $15 per hour in January 2023,” the Massachusetts government website states.

Tipped minimum wage, however, is different.

Currently tipped employees minimum wage is $5.55. It was increase in January to $6.15.

“This rate will go up in steps to reach $6.75 per hour in January 2023,” the website states.

A tipped employee is considered anyone who makes more than $20 a month in tips. However, they must receive at least the overall minimum wage, which is currently $13.50, when tips and wages are combined.

“If the combined wages and actual tips do not at least equal the regular minimum wage, the employer must pay the employee the difference,” the state said.

The federal minimum wage is much lower than the commonwealth’s.

Currently, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, which began July 24, 2009.

Certain businesses have also begun raising their own minimum wages.

Costco increased its minimum wage from $16 an hour to $17. Bank of America raised its minimum hourly wage to $21 with a plan to go to $25 per hour by 2025. CVS Health is also increasing its minimum hourly wage to $15 an hour starting July 2022.

The ABCC is aware of local, national, and international news reports of an increase in illicit, non-consensual drugging occurring at bars, nightclubs, and other nightlife venues. All § 12 Licensees should alert employees and patrons about the increase in predatory behavior and are advised to be vigilant in monitoring activity within their establishments. Licensees are encouraged to have an active security plan in place, in which all employees are trained.

Licensees are reminded of the following:

                     • There is a duty to prevent foreseeable harm to patrons and others.

                     • A Licensee’s duty to protect patrons may be triggered when the conduct of another patron puts the Licensee or its employees on notice that harm is imminent.

                     • A Licensee may discharge its duty to protect patrons by taking steps to prevent the harm, such as calling the police.

                     • It is the responsibility of each licensee to exercise close supervision of its premises to ensure compliance with the law.

                    • Licensees are required to cooperate in investigations by police and ABCC Investigators. 

As always, all licensees must ensure they comply with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and that sales of alcoholic beverages take place only as authorized by federal, state, and local law.

Questions concerning this Advisory may be directed to Ralph Sacramone, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission at (617) 727- 3040 x 731.

(Issued 12/3/2021)

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