By Jim O’Sullivan, State House News Service
Mass. House votes to lift gift ban in effort to boost business
By State House News Service
Reversing course on a new law aimed at diminishing the influence on doctors by pharmaceutical and medical device companies, the House on Wednesday voted to strike the so-called gift ban law, which critics say has hurt commerce in the medical and restaurant industries. An amendment to preserve the ban attracted 40 votes, with 108 against.
The elimination of the gift ban was included in economic development legislation that cleared the House 145-4 and now needs to be reconciled with a Senate bill in a conference committee.
Mass. restaurants seek gift ban exemption
By Kyle Cheney, State House News Service
Massachusetts restaurateurs hurting for business in an unsettled economy and frustrated by lawmakers’ willingness to exempt casinos from alcohol service limits are pleading with lawmakers to give them a break this week, over the objection of patient advocates.