Boston's New Vibe: Liquor Licenses for Underserved Neighborhoods

This summer, businesses in Boston like Cool Shade in Dorchester are buzzing with activity. They're not just dishing out jerk chicken and plantains, but also looking at a big opportunity—new liquor licenses. The Massachusetts State House has given Boston 225 licenses to spread across 13 neighborhoods that haven't had much luck getting them before. Andre Williams, who runs Cool Shade, is one of many local business owners excited about this change. "Food is great, but adding liquor could really bring in a wider range of customers," he said. City officials like Segun Idowu, Boston's chief of economic opportunity and inclusion, agree. They believe this move will bring new life to these communities.

Boston leaders are taking their time to decide where these licenses go and how they'll affect the neighborhoods. They want to be thoughtful about the impact, not just rush the process. Applications won't be approved on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, they'll be reviewed in batches, with the first set going out after December 6. For local lawmakers, this is a big deal. State Representative Christopher Worrell from Dorchester thinks it could double the revenue and number of customers in these areas. His brother, Boston City Councilor Brian Worrell, sees it as a win-win for both business owners and the community. Andre Williams, like many others, is waiting eagerly. "I've already applied, now I'm just waiting to hear back," he said. Over the next three years, each zip code will get five new licenses, once a year. It's a significant step towards making Boston's economic growth more inclusive.

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