# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, sec. 9: Suspension; revocation; forfeiture of innholder and common victuallers license

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C140_S9

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, sec. 9
- **Heading:** Suspension; revocation; forfeiture of innholder and common victuallers license
- **Jurisdiction:** Massachusetts
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MA Code / Part I / Title XX / Chapter 140 / Section 9

## Text

Section 9. If, in the opinion of the licensing authorities, a licensee as an innholder or a common victualler ceases to be engaged in the business he is licensed to pursue, or fails to maintain upon his premises the implements and facilities required by this chapter, they shall immediately revoke his license. If a licensee at any time conducts his licensed business in an improper manner, the licensing authorities, after notice to the licensee and reasonable opportunity for a hearing, may upon satisfactory proof thereof suspend or revoke his license or impose a fine; provided that, the fine for the first offense within a 6–month period shall be not less than $500 and not more than $1,000; for the second offense within a 6–month period the fine shall be not less than $1,000 and not more than $2,000; for the third offense within a 6–month period the fine shall be not less than $2,000 and not more than $5,000; for the fourth offense within a 6–month period the fine shall be not less than $5,000 and not more than $10,000; and for the fifth offense within a 6–month period the fine shall be not less than $10,000. An innholder who violates section seven shall forfeit his license. A licensee who is convicted a second time of the violation of any of the provisions of sections six to eighteen, inclusive, shall forfeit his license.

Section 9. If, in the opinion of the licensing authorities, a licensee as an innholder or a common victualler ceases to be engaged in the business he is licensed to pursue, or fails to maintain upon his premises the implements and facilities required by this chapter, they shall immediately revoke his license. If a licensee at any time conducts his licensed business in an improper manner, the licensing authorities, after notice to the licensee and reasonable opportunity for a hearing, may upon satisfactory proof thereof suspend or revoke his license or impose a fine; provided that, the fine for the first offense within a 6–month period shall be not less than $500 and not more than $1,000; for the second offense within a 6–month period the fine shall be not less than $1,000 and not more than $2,000; for the third offense within a 6–month period the fine shall be not less than $2,000 and not more than $5,000; for the fourth offense within a 6–month period the fine shall be not less than $5,000 and not more than $10,000; and for the fifth offense within a 6–month period the fine shall be not less than $10,000. An innholder who violates section seven shall forfeit his license. A licensee who is convicted a second time of the violation of any of the provisions of sections six to eighteen, inclusive, shall forfeit his license.

## Nearby sections

- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, sec. 1 ''Licensing authorities'' defined](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C140_S1.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, sec. 2 Issuance of license to be innholders or common victuallers; signing; refusal; fee; record; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C140_S2.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, sec. 3 Content of innholders' licenses; governing statutes](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C140_S3.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, sec. 4 Contents of innholder and common victuallers license generally; coverage; term](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C140_S4.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, sec. 5 Food and accommodations; availability](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C140_S5.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, sec. 6 Conditions precedent; proposed plans; cost estimates; license as victualler or innholder](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C140_S6.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, sec. 6B Food allergy awareness](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C140_S6B.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, sec. 7 Refusing to provide for travelers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C140_S7.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, sec. 9 Suspension; revocation; forfeiture of innholder and common victuallers license](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C140_S9.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, sec. 9A Keeping of premises open throughout year](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C140_S9A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, sec. 10 Liability for loss of property](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C140_S10.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, sec. 11 Fire or overwhelming force; liability](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C140_S11.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, sec. 12 Fraudulently procuring food, accommodations or credit; removal of property covered by lien; evidence](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C140_S12.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 140, sec. 12A ''Hotel'' defined for Secs. 12B to 12D](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C140_S12A.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXX_C140_S9. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.