A Statement By Ayanna Pressley On Liquor Licenses

Boston City Councilor, Ayanna Pressley, has been fighting to #liftthecap on liquor licenses in Boston. Epicenter was lucky enough to get statement from her on the ongoing issue.

When I began this journey for liquor license reform nearly 4 years ago, I knew this would be a long process. We cannot undo 100 years of pain caused by an arbitrary cap on liquor licenses in 3 years. Even so, our coalition has successes to reflect on and food (pun intended) for our spiritual bellies for the fights ahead.

Last year we hosted DINE617, a tour which highlighted 4 new sit down neighborhood restaurants that are thriving because of our work to make 75 new liquor licenses available for our city. Hyde Park, Dorchester, Roxbury and East Boston can now boast of Rincon Caribeno, Dot 2 Dot Café, Dudley Café, and Maverick Marketplace respectively, as economic and social anchors. (Add photo) And this September 1st, 2016 the last round of those liquor licenses will become available, which brings us to the work ahead.

It is clear there is a need for further reform, and the City of Boston should have full local control of the number and types of licenses available. Before the State House’s legislative session ended on July 31st, there was a push by the State Legislature to grant every city and town in the Commonwealth, except Boston, the ability to control their liquor license process. With the help of State Representative Russell Holmes, I was able to coordinate a letter to support an amendment authored by State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry which would include Boston to this key provision of pending legislation. Unfortunately, despite our efforts on the letter, the State House decided against allowing any city or town the ability to make these key economic development decisions.

The fight continues. I am excited to see another 25 restaurants start or expand in our neighborhoods. It is another step towards equity in opportunity to build community and build wealth

The fight continues. I am excited to see another 25 restaurants start or expand in our neighborhoods. It is another step towards equity in opportunity to build community and build wealth. And every new license in Roxbury, Mattapan, Dorchester, Hyde Park, Mission Hill, Jamaica Plain, East Boston is another chance for people to come together and work, play, celebrate or heal. I am looking forward to continuing to work with our partners to push for full local control and ensure that every neighborhood has access to full amenities and an ability to build healthy community.

-Ayanna Pressley, Boston City Council