Boston prepares to dole out 225 new liquor licenses!

The city aims to set new license rules following a biased last batch. Written October 3rd, 2024.

By Emily Champagne

The last time the city gave 10 restaurant owners a liquor license worth hundreds of thousands of
dollars, it became a first-come, first serve process that went to the rich and well-connected.
While the money was intended to go to underserved neighborhoods and entrepreneurs of color,
instead a significant amount went to established owners from the North End and Back Bay.

As city officials prepare to issue 225 new licenses, the stakes are high to fix these past mistakes.
The city rarely has new licenses to give out, and many are hoping to deliver them to less
fortunate areas, especially those serving middle class residents.

As of right now, the bulk of these new licenses are expected to go to Mattapan, Charlestown,
Hyde Park, East Boston, Brighton, and other local neighborhoods that could use a restaurant’s
economic boost.

One particular restaurant looking for a license is Peruvian Taste, owned and operated by Jose
Villafranca. Although the restaurant is known for its Peru inspired cuisine and authentic atmosphere, it lacks the infusion of alcohol due to its high prices. According to Jose, getting this license would “add a lot to his offerings of ceviche and Peruvian-Chinese china dishes- and could boost his revenue by 50 percent.”

Michele Wu’s administration in collaboration with City Hall has begun to situate all of the
release details, including a new board process. Instead of having the Boston Licensing Board
approve applications individually as they come in, they will review applications in batches,
creating a more effective process.

Initiating a waiting mechanism it will allow the board to see all applicants at once rather than
quickly rewarding businesses on their speed. Additionally, the licenses will be distributed in
clusters with dates spread throughout the year.

These licenses are nontransferable, meaning that they cannot be bought or sold. However they
are an asset for many restaurants as alcohol sales are usually a center for profits.

These licenses are on the top of everyone’s radar, as many restaurants have been waiting in
anticipation, hiring a plethora of lawyers and filling out applications. Many liquor license
lawyers have seen dozens of clients hoping to get one, especially since this wave marks the
biggest expansion of alcohol permits since the end of Prohibition.