Boston could get 264 new liquor licenses for bars and restaurants. Here's why.

BOSTON - The city of Boston is on the verge of adding a lot more liquor licenses for bars and restaurants, thanks to the Massachusetts Legislature.

The scarcity of licenses has been a major problem for years, particularly for Black-owned businesses. It's been described as an antiquated system. The state controls the number of liquor licenses granted in Boston and every other city and town in Massachusetts. But, due to a secondary market in Boston, they can often be resold for more than $500,000.

How many liquor licenses in Boston?

Right now, there are about 1,400 liquor licenses in Boston. According to Massachusetts State Senator Liz Miranda, just two-percent belong to business owners of color.

On Monday, the Massachusetts Senate agreed on a bill that would reform the current system. If it passes, the bill would grant an additional 264 liquor licenses in Boston that would be phased in by zip code over several years. The free licenses would need to be applied for and some will be deemed as non-transferable, under the current bill.

"Disparities send a clear message"

Boston City Councilor Brian Worrell has been working with the state on this for more than a year.

"We already know the amount of money it takes to start a business, especially a restaurant," Worrell told WBZ-TV. "So, $600,000 is a burden to restaurant owners, especially those who are Black and Brown."

Worrell said Mattapan has six liquor licenses and Blue Hill Avenue, a main thoroughfare in the city, has just six.

"So, when you compare that to other neighborhoods that have 80 like the Back Bay, the disparities send a clear message," Worrell said.

Boost for businesses

Andre Williams has owned and operated his Cool Shade restaurant in Dorchester for two years. He has been trying to get a liquor license since before the doors even opened.

"Liquor licenses are expensive so a lot of people can't afford it," said Williams. "Maybe it's the community that we are in. If we had a liquor license it would revitalize our neighborhood. It would also boost business for local restaurants here in Boston."

The House has its own version of this bill. The two chambers are set to come together to discuss them in a committee meeting later this week.