On Thursday, the Massachusetts Senate explored the budget amendments submitted by local representatives including one that’s the brainchild of both Mayor Marty Walsh and state Senator Linda Dorcena Forry. The measure, which was adopted by the Senate and now faces the House of Representatives, was a step in the right direction for keeping Boston’s nightlife open past 2:00 a.m.

The amendment basically calls for extended liquor sales in food service establishments past 2:00 a.m. in cities and towns that are affected by MBTA late-night transit service. There has been talk that Mayor Walsh is pushing for a time as late as 3:30 a.m. It was approved by a ‘yes bundle’ vote, which means it’s now attached to a number of similar amendments that the legislative body will vote on as a single package.

Should the budget withstand scrutiny from the House and be signed into law by Governor Patrick, the amendment will be available for cities like Boston and neighboring communities like Cambridge, Somerville and Medford to enforce.

The beauty of the amendment is that if cities with direct access to the MBTA aren’t in love with the idea of serving booze deeper into the wee hours, they do not have to. The legislation is designed so that applicable cities and towns can opt-in if they feel it’s in the best interest of their citizens. With Boston leading the charge, though, Mayor Walsh is hoping a slew of municipalities will see the same benefits subsequently afforded to the Hub.

How well the amendment will fare in the House remains to be seen. BostInno reached out directly to House Speaker Bob DeLeo’s office to try and gauge the chamber’s general sentiments in regards to the measure, but nobody was immediately available to comment.

What exactly is a 'yes bundle' vote anyway?
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