Community Corner
POLL: Should More Liquor Licenses Be Allowed In The Back Bay?
Once upon a time a Back Bay venue seeking a liquor license would have to wait until an existing venue that had one went out of business, but the Chairwoman of the Boston Licensing Board is ending that system and we want to know how you feel about it.
The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay has had a longstanding request, according to an article on UniversalHub, and that request is "to only approve new liquor licenses in the neighborhood after an existing license holder shuts down or moves out."
Boston Licensing Board Chairwoman Nicole Muratti says this manner of limiting liquor licenses is "certainly not a practice I endorse," and the UniversalHub article also says that "One byproduct of that policy has been to make Back Bay liquor licenses the most expensive in the city, because of the limited number."
The article also mentions that the Saratoga Restaurant's liquor license was for sale at $412,500, a price that may be cost-prohibitive for local entrepreneurs without significant wealth but feasible for chain restaurants.
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So, Back Bay, how do you feel about the possible increase in venues with liquor licenses in your neighborhood? Is this a boon for business and community or a detriment to the neighborhood's culture? Vote in our poll and leave a comment with your thoughts.
