Press Room

Licenses will breathe new life into communities systemically excluded for decades

(BOSTON—9/5/2024) Today the Massachusetts Senate gave final passage to compromise legislation adding 225 new alcohol licenses for the City of Boston over the next three years.

The licenses would be distributed across 13 Boston zip codes, expanding equity for restaurant owners in historically underrepresented parts of the city and boosting economic opportunity in communities of color that have been systemically excluded for decades.

The compromise legislation includes a total of 225 new licenses in the coming three years for the city, including:

•  12 new unrestricted licenses.
• 195 new restricted licenses for 13 Boston zip codes, distributed as five per year, per zip code, for three years. Of the five licenses, three would be for all alcohol sales, and two would be for sales of beer and wine.
• 15 community licenses for non-profits, small theaters, and outdoor spaces, for all alcohol sales.
• 3 for Oak Square in Brighton, for all alcohol sales.

“Expanding liquor licenses in these Boston neighborhoods means expanding economic opportunity and equity into critical areas that have been underrepresented for too long,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “The Senate’s Boston delegation has done strong work to get this over the finish line, and I am thankful to them for their leadership.”

“I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues in the House and Senate to add additional liquor licenses to underserved neighborhoods across Boston. These additional licenses will improve the sustainability of existing small businesses, create opportunities for new businesses, and create economic vibrancy on our main streets,” said Senator Nick Collins (D-South Boston), a member of the conference committee, who advocated strongly for the inclusion of the Lower Roxbury and South End communities in the legislation.

“Properly granted and strategically utilized liquor licenses are an important tool for economic development, and I am glad we were able to move forward with the legislative infrastructure for that to happen,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), a member of the conference committee. “Thank you to the Boston legislative delegation for leading these efforts.”

“I am proud to have worked with many colleagues to push this bill to the finish line,” said Senator Liz Miranda (D-Roxbury), lead Senate sponsor of the legislation. “Black-owned restaurants play a critical role in our economic and social fabric, dating back to the civil rights movement when activists found refuge to meet, plan, and organize in a safe place. We must protect and invest in our black owned businesses and gathering places. With this bill, the legislature is taking a significant step to expand and diversify Boston’s restaurant industry, while spurring economic development in our neighborhoods and tackling the racial wealth gap—deeply embedded in our food service and hospitality industries.”

“These new licenses are not just business permits; they’re economic catalysts that will directly empower small business owners, especially in communities that have long been excluded from opportunities,” said Senator Lydia Edwards (D-East Boston). “By granting access to these licenses, we’re creating real pathways for local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, generate more revenue, and contribute to the vibrancy of their neighborhoods. This initiative is about fostering equitable growth, supporting local economies, and ensuring that every part of our city has the tools to thrive in an increasingly competitive market. These licenses will serve as a foundation for long-term success, uplifting small businesses while driving the broader economic development of Boston.”

“I am proud to support this equitable proposal that will give an economic boost to restaurants and small businesses across Boston, especially in communities of color that historically haven’t had much access to these licenses,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett). “I want to thank my colleagues for all their work moving this bill through the legislature.”

Having been passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, the legislation will now be sent to the Governor’s desk for her signature.

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