- Home
-
Report Sections
- Active Military and Veterans
- Animal Welfare
- Appropriations and Funding
- Children, Families & Persons with Disabilities
- Climate Change and Environmental Protection
- Consumer Protection
- Cradle to Career Public Education
- Economic Development, Job Creation and Workers Rights
- Equity, Access to Justice and Civil Rights
- Housing
- Mental Health, Public Health and Health Care
- Public Safety
- Tax Relief
- Transportation
Alcohol Licenses
Status
Signed Into Law
Act authorizing additional licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the city of Boston
As part of the Commonwealth's commitment to expanding economic opportunities and supporting local businesses, An Act authorizing additional alcohol licenses for Boston provides 225 new licenses, which have historically been difficult to obtain, particularly for restaurants in communities of color. This bill was signed into law by Governor Healey on 10/09/2024.
Highlights
-
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 zipcodes, 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 befor 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.
"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."
- Senator Liz Miranda (D-Boston)
- Senator Liz Miranda (D-Boston)
