City Of Boston Licensing Board Approves 21 New Liquor Licenses

The City of Boston Licensing Board has approved 21 new liquor licenses for restaurants across eight neighborhoods, including Brighton and Dorchester. Mayor Michelle Wu underscored the significance of these licenses in promoting economic growth and supporting small businesses. This approval follows the passage of legislation that added 225 new liquor licenses to the city, marking the largest increase since the end of Prohibition. The new batch includes neighborhood-restricted licenses and licenses for community spaces, designed to foster local entrepreneurship. The Licensing Board is currently forwarding the applications to the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission for further scrutiny.

Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, noted that these licenses are vital for generating revenue for local restaurants. The city is committed to offering wrap-around support services for both applicants and license holders. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure the sustainability of small businesses in historically underserved communities.