The City of Boston Licensing Board has approved 21 new liquor licenses for restaurants across eight city neighborhoods, marking the largest single expansion of the city’s liquor license quota since the end of Prohibition.
The approved applications span Brighton, Dorchester, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Roxbury, the South End, and West Roxbury. The Licensing Board is now forwarding the approved licenses to the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) for final review.
This new batch of licenses is part of a broader, multi-year initiative aimed at boosting economic development and expanding access to alcohol permits in historically underserved neighborhoods. Through state legislation passed in 2023, Boston is set to receive a total of 195 zip code-restricted licenses over three years. These include both all-alcohol and beer-and-wine permits designated for neighborhoods such as Charlestown, East Boston, Mattapan, and others.
In addition to the zip code-specific licenses, the legislation provides 15 all-alcohol licenses for community spaces like non-profits and small theaters, 12 fully transferable all-alcohol licenses, and three neighborhood-specific licenses for Oak Square in Brighton.
“As the city works to award the next batch of liquor license approvals, we are beginning to see this critical policy work for our communities,” said City Councilor Brian Worrell, who authored the original Home Rule Petition that led to the license expansion. “This historic expansion is fueling new restaurants to launch and existing eateries to expand, creating a boost for our local businesses and thriving culinary districts across Boston.”
The 21 businesses approved last week had completed their application and community engagement process prior to the May 23 deadline, qualifying them for the second round of the allocation process. Additional applicants from this round are still being reviewed, with more hearings and votes to be scheduled in the coming weeks.
The Licensing Board stated it will continue to evaluate applicants based on several factors, including neighborhood demand, financial sustainability, and potential to contribute to local economic growth.
Potential applicants are encouraged to begin the process early. Support is available through the Mayor’s Office of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, the Office of Neighborhood Services, and the Office of Small Business. Applicants can schedule appointments with the Licensing Board by calling 617-635-4170 or emailing [email protected]. Bi-weekly office hours will resume in the fall.
