Deal reached to approve 225 new liquor licenses in Boston

BOSTON – Massachusetts lawmakers reached a deal Tuesday to hand out 225 new liquor licenses in Boston.

Liquor licenses are the golden ticket of the restaurant industry in the city. Beacon Hill is working to make the process of getting one more equitable because they are notoriously difficult to get.

Boston liquor licenses

The system, widely criticized as antiquated, has led to a booming secondary market where liquor licenses are being sold from one restaurant to another. A simple issue of supply and demand has made it virtually impossible for new restaurants to break in. Unless you've got the money.

"Paying half a million dollars, upwards of $750,000 for a liquor license, no one can afford that and that is why there has been so much disinvestment," State Sen. Liz Miranda told WBZ-TV.

Miranda has been one of the state lawmakers calling for reforms on this. Miranda represents the Second Suffolk District and said this is more than just about alcohol sales.

"This is about dreams that become reality," Miranda said. "This is about opportunity. This is about possibility. Communities that have thriving businesses which are the backbones of our community, are safer, they're cleaner, they are healthier, for me I know this is the means of building a community that is full of thriving people and businesses and not just about offering people a cocktail."

Restricted liquor licenses

The state determines how many liquor licenses are permitted for Boston to distribute.

On Tuesday, lawmakers from both the House and Senate announced a compromise following months of debate.

They've agreed to grant 225 new licenses to the city, which include 195 restricted licenses specifically allocated for Boston's 13 zip codes. That would keep that license in its assigned neighborhood, even if the business goes under.

The goal, Miranda said, is to give communities of color a better chance at opening a new restaurant, in turn increasing economic opportunity in underserved parts of the city.

The bill still needs final approval and is expected to hit the governor's desk by the end of the week.