Credit: Rikard Larma/Metro
For the first time in more than 100 years, Boston has control over its liquor licensing board and will soon be able to serve up more liquor licenses to establishments.
State lawmakers last week approved of an economic development bill that includes a provision that gives Boston 75 more liquor licenses over the next three years. The bill must be signed by Gov. Deval Patrick.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh in a statement thanked the legislature for the bill and the licenses, which he said will help “spur economic growth in our neighborhoods.”
“Despite high demand, the city of Boston has not received a cap increase on liquor licenses since 2006,” Walsh said. “A lack of licenses has hindered further economic growth in our neighborhoods, supporting robust spaces where people want to live, work, shop and eat. Because of this legislation, the city of Boston will have the ability to support small and local businesses in neighborhoods that historically have had less access to licenses.”
What’s more, the bill gives Boston control over the liquor licensing board, which was previously controlled by the state.
Material from the State House News Service was used in this report.
Follow Michael Naughton on Twitter @metrobosmike.
