Boston restaurant owners are gearing up to apply for new liquor licenses that will soon become available thanks to a recently signed bill granting 225 licenses over the next three years.
Liquor licenses in Boston have historically been expensive and hard to come by, especially in neighborhoods like Dorchester, Mattapan, Roxbury and more.
The new licenses will specifically target those underserved neighborhoods.
Andre Williams, owner of Cool Shade restaurant in Dorchester, said getting the opportunity to sell alcohol will boost sales and bring in new customers.
“Each time they come in they ask if we have a beer or wine or a liquor ... a lot of times a person wants something to compliment their meal,” said Williams, who described the bill as a victory.
Cool Shade serves Jamaican food. Prior to owning this restaurant, Williams said he tried to get a liquor license at another business without success.
“It was a hard process,” he said.
Gov. Maura Healey signed the legislation last month, but celebrated a ceremonial signing at the State House on Wednesday. Boston secured the new licenses thanks to a successful home-rule petition filed by Mayor Michelle Wu and the City Council and passed by the Legislature.
Most liquor licenses in Boston need to be purchased from someone who already has one, which can be costly. But the new licenses will be issued directly from the city’s licensing board.
“These much needed liquor licenses will be transformative in strengthening our local economy and bolstering vibrancy for our communities,” Wu said in a statement.
Kurt McLaughlin, owner of Sorel and Lime, an event space slated to open in December in Dorchester, is also vying for one of the new licenses.
“I’m feeling hopeful ... even with hope there is going to be a lot of competition and people who are deserving of it so try to stay positive and hopeful,” McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin estimated that alcohol sales can account for 20 to 35% of business. “It allows you to do more, it allows you to prepare for more.”
Jonathan Chambers, owner of Flames restaurant which has several locations in the city, said serving alcohol generates revenue and helps create a better social environment.
“It will make a great impact for the business and for the community because people will come out, sit, dine, socialize and have a drink,” Chambers said. One Flames location, in Brigham Circle, has a license for beer and wine, but the other four Boston locations do not.
Applications for the new licenses must be submitted by December 6. Another round of applications will be reviewed in the spring of next year.
