Actually it's way more recent than the blue laws.

Because of nickle beer nights in the late 70's and early 80's and the associated things that happen when a bunch of college kids and others can get 20 plastic cups of beer for a buck, Massachusetts banned happy hours, discounted drinks, and free drinks in December of 1984. A 1983 incident is usually said to be the straw that broke the camel's back causing them to act (below)

I was living in the state at the time, mid 20's, and it was a really sad day.

Until all the bars had to compete with each other with free food offerings instead of discounted drinks for happy hour, I didn't buy dinner for years

Legislation was proposed last month to overturn the ban.

Sept. 9, 1983, according to press reports.

On that Friday night, Kathleen <<deleted>>, 20, of Weymouth, met her friends at Ground Round, where they had won free pitchers of beer in a “name that tune” game, according to a Boston Herald story and George McCarthy, then chairman of the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

After leaving the bar, Kathleen and a friend climbed on top of another friend’s 1975 Chevrolet sedan for a joy-ride around the King’s Plaza parking lot in Braintree, according to a Boston Herald account. Kathleen fell under the car and was dragged 50 feet, breaking her neck, arms and legs. The driver had consumed at least seven beers, according to the ABCC.



We use to go to a Ground Round after work on Fridays (though not that one) as their Happy Hour was giant mixed drinks, $2 for well drinks and $2.50 for anything else. Like 30 ounce coke glasses.