Mayor Michelle Wu Celebrates New Beer and Wine State Legislation and Promotes Available Liquor License Opportunities Available to Businesses

Mayor Michelle Wu and State Representative Aaron Michlewitz announced new legislation allowing businesses to upgrade from beer and wine licenses to all alcohol licenses, which is expected to bolster local economies. The Boston Licensing Board has approved liquor licenses for community spaces like the American Repertory Theater, Boston Center for the Arts, and Sorrel & Lime. Since the 2024 legislation took effect, Boston has granted 61 new liquor licenses, significantly aiding local entrepreneurship. Mayor Wu highlighted the role of these licenses in fostering economic growth and supporting neighborhood businesses. The Fiscal Year 2026 Massachusetts State Budget allows municipalities to facilitate this upgrade, with a City Council order set to be introduced soon.

Workshops will be organized to assist businesses in navigating the upgrade process. State Representative Christopher Worrell noted that expanding access to all-alcohol licenses empowers local entrepreneurs, especially in historically marginalized neighborhoods. This legislative change builds on previous efforts to increase liquor license availability in Boston.