Just as quickly as the thought of a late-night Boston grasped the imagination of residents in the Greater Metro area, it was extinguished by Beacon Hill. A new twist of legislative events, though, puts the idea of later Boston bar and restaurant scene back on the table.
Boston took a hard loss earlier this week when the Massachusetts Legislature excluded a Senate-approved budget amendment that would allow bars and restaurants along MBTA routes to operate until as late as 4:00 a.m. Championed by the city’s younger demographic, as well as those privy to burning the midnight oil, the measure was thought by some to be too general and vague and therefore not considered by Beacon Hill.
The amendment was filed by state Senator Linda Dorcena Forry with the unwavering support of Mayor Marty Walsh as a major step for the city becoming more attractive to tourists and visitors more acclimated to last call coming after 2 a.m., if at all. Though the amendment didn’t make the budgetary roster, Tuesday night’s economic development package passed the Senate by a vote of 37 to 1.
A source close to the issue confirmed with BostInno that the economic development package provides for keeping bars and restaurants easily serviced by the MBTA open later, as well as awards an extra 150 liquor licenses to the City of Boston over a span of three-years. The bill also vests liquor licensing power in the City of Boston.
Extended service, increased licenses and licensing power are all aspects the Walsh administration and some Boston City Councilors like Ayanna Pressley have been vying for for months. Not only do they expect a revenue boost through the food service and tourism industries, but it would allow more flexibility and dexterity to how the licensing and permitting process is undertaken.
Gone could be the days of having to gain the permission of Beacon Hill for granting additional Boston liquor licenses to food and drink establishments.
One of the issues conveyed by the House and Representative Mike Moran on Senator Dorcena Forry’s and Mayor Walsh’s budget amendment was that the measure was unclear on how many additional liquor licenses would be awarded per Boston neighborhood.
According to MassLive, 20 percent of Boston liquor licenses are for establishments in the North End and Back Bay and “only 12 of the city’s 1,044 liquor licenses are held by establishments in Mattapan and Roxbury.”
BostInno reached out to the mayor’s press office to find out if they have any idea of which neighborhoods stand to receive the lion’s share of the 150 new licenses, and we’ll be sure to update the piece upon receiving further details.
The House passed an economic development bill of their own earlier in June so both chambers will consider each other’s bills before voting on a final draft to be sent to Governor Deval Patrick’s desk for signing.
Stay tuned to BostInno for the latest news on keeping the city open for late-night bar and restaurant service. In the meantime, feel free to share your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below.
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