Boston - Governor Maura Healey today gathered federal, state and local officials, restaurant owners, labor and business leaders to ceremonially sign into law H5039, An Act authorizing additional licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises in the city of Boston. The bill authorizes 225 new alcohol licenses for Boston, which have historically been difficult to obtain, particularly for restaurants in communities of color. A total of 15 of these will be “community licenses" for nonprofits, small theaters and outdoor spaces.

"Neighborhood restaurants play such an essential role in our communities and our economy. This bill will lower barriers for Boston restaurants to provide the services that their customers are looking for and help them succeed, while also supporting local nonprofits, theaters and outdoor spaces,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I'm grateful for the leadership of Mayor Michelle Wu, the Boston City Council, the Boston legislative delegation, the Legislature and restaurant owners who advocated for this change that will have long-lasting positive impacts.

"We've long heard from local businesses about how challenging it is to get a liquor license. Far too many neighborhood restaurants feel shut out of the process,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This bill changes that by significantly increasing the number of licenses available in Boston. This effort has been many years in the making and we are here today because of the dedicated advocacy of so many local officials and restaurants.”

Statements of Support

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, who championed and helped enact the last major liquor license reform in 2014:

"Restaurants are the economic, social, and cultural anchors of our streets and every Bostonian deserves the chance to realize the fundamental idea that this city and all its blessings belong to each of us. Today’s signing of legislation to reform Massachusetts’ archaic liquor license laws-and build upon the reforms we enacted in 2014-gives our restauranteurs and our communities a chance to enjoy an equitable opportunity to build community and wealth-from Hyde Park to East Boston from Dorchester to Jamaica Plain and all across the city. Thank you to Senator Liz Miranda, Rep. Chris Worrell, Councilor Brian Worrell, Governor Maura Healey and every restauranteur and advocate who invested the sweat equity that made today possible. Today, we raise a figurative drink to this achievement and look forward to tomorrow to actualize the potential of this legislation.”

Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland):

“Expanding liquor licenses in these Boston neighborhoods means expanding economic opportunity and equity into critical areas that have been underrepresented for too long. I’m thankful to the Senate’s Boston delegation for their strong work to get this over the finish line, as well as to the Governor for her signature, Speaker Mariano and our colleagues in the House, Mayor Wu, the Boston City Council, and members of the Boston community for working to make this a reality.”

House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy):

“For most restaurants, obtaining a liquor license is a crucial step towards long-term success, which is why this legislation will play a critical role in bolstering economic development in Boston, particularly in historically underserved communities. I want to thank Governor Healey for signing this important bill into law, as well as Mayor Wu and Boston’s legislative delegation for their hard work and advocacy throughout this process.”

State Representative Chris Worrell:

“This legislation will have a substantial economic impact on Boston’s Black and Brown communities - creating jobs, building generational wealth, and adding much-needed amenities where they are currently lacking. I am proud of this collaborative effort which has delivered tangible results to Boston’s neighborhoods and prioritized racial equity and small business growth in our economy.

State Senator Liz Miranda:

“This legislation fosters economic opportunity for our community members who’ve been shut out of the industry for decades. Enabling our current and prospective small business owners to secure neighborhood-restricted liquor licenses will help us tackle the racial wealth gap and support generational wealth building in our neighborhoods. Restaurants and neighborhood gathering spaces are critical in thriving, healthy communities. We desire and are working to create a City of Boston where any resident with a dream and stake in our community can open, operate, and maintain a successful restaurant.”

State Senator Nick Collins (D-South Boston):

“I’m proud to have partnered with Governor Healey and my colleagues in Legislature to add additional liquor licenses to underserved neighborhoods across Boston. These additional licenses will improve the sustainability of existing small businesses, create opportunities for new businesses, and create economic vibrancy on our main streets.”

State Representative Dan Ryan (D-Boston):

I want to thank the Governor, Mayor, and my Boston delegation colleagues for making this bill a reality. These licenses will provide entrepreneurship opportunities while bringing amenities to sections of our city that wish to have them. I thank the Speaker for appointing me to this important conference committee.”

Boston Council President Ruthzee Louijeune:

'These new licenses aren't just about alcohol; they’re about empowering our local businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly in our Black and Brown communities, so that everyone can have a seat at the table and a shot at success. By creating opportunities for these businesses to grow, we’re investing in the future of our neighborhoods-raising the bar for equity and opportunity.'