(Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州參眾議會今 (3) 日達成協議，未來3年將增發共225張新酒牌給波士頓市，其中195張有限制性酒牌，將以每個郵遞區號每年發5張模式，每年發出75張新酒牌給包括多個獲得服務不足社區在內的13個郵遞區號。
另有12張無限制酒牌，以及給布萊頓
(Brighton)橡樹廣場 (Oak
Square)的3張酒牌，以及給非牟利機構、小劇院，戶外空間的15張社區酒牌。
麻州參議會和眾議會為波士頓市酒牌一事，閉門協商良久，推出過多個不同版本法案，擬定過從205到260張新酒牌的不同版本，甚至比波士頓市議會最初要求的數量還多。
麻州眾議會版本 (H4696)要求發205張新酒牌，麻州參議會版本(S2903)則要求授權發放260張酒牌。
麻州參議會臨時議長William N. Brownsberger和麻州眾議會多數黨領袖Michael J. Moran這名主要協商人，兩會最後同意了一個中間數。他們兩人在一份聯合聲明中表示，他們達成協議，以戲劇性擴大波士頓市各鄰里餐館擁有者之間的平等，在被人忽視已久的有色人種社區，增加其經濟發展機會。
波士頓市長吳弭也為此發表聲明，稱每一張新酒牌都代表著一名企業家的新生命，以及經濟繁榮機會。
波士頓市在20年前約有1200張酒牌許可，現有約1411張，要想得到酒牌，一般得向另一家已經歇業、關門的餐廳或酒吧購買。酒牌在市場上的藥價，甚至高達60萬元一張。
這一法案預計在本週末之前，送交到麻州州長奚莉(Maura Healey)的辦公桌前。
Legislature Passes Compromise Legislation
Adding 225 Alcohol Licenses for the City of Boston
Licenses will breathe new life into communities systemically excluded for decades
(BOSTON—9/5/2024) Today the Massachusetts Senate gave final passage to compromise legislation adding 225 new alcohol licenses for the City of Boston over the next three years.
The licenses would be distributed across 13 Boston zip codes, expanding equity for restaurant owners in historically underrepresented parts of the city and boosting economic opportunity in communities of color that have been systemically excluded for decades.
The compromise legislation includes a total of 225 new
licenses in the coming three years for the city, including:
· 12 new unrestricted licenses.
· 195 new restricted licenses for 13 Boston zip codes, distributed as five per year, per zip code, for three years. Of the five licenses, three would be for all alcohol sales, and two would be for sales of beer and wine.
· 15 community licenses for non-profits, small theaters, and outdoor spaces, for all alcohol sales.
· 3 for Oak Square in Brighton, for all alcohol sales.
“Expanding liquor licenses in these Boston neighborhoods means expanding economic opportunity and equity into critical areas that have been underrepresented for too long,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “The Senate’s Boston delegation has done strong work to get this over the finish line, and I am thankful to them for their leadership.”
“I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues in the House and Senate to add additional liquor licenses to underserved neighborhoods across Boston. These additional licenses will improve the sustainability of existing small businesses, create opportunities for new businesses, and create economic vibrancy on our main streets,” said Senator Nick Collins (D-South Boston), a member of the conference committee, who advocated strongly for the inclusion of the Lower Roxbury and South End communities in the legislation.
“Properly granted and strategically utilized liquor licenses are an important tool for economic development, and I am glad we were able to move forward with the legislative infrastructure for that to happen,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), a member of the conference committee. “Thank you to the Boston legislative delegation for leading these efforts.”
“I am proud to have worked with many colleagues to push this bill to the finish line,” said Senator Liz Miranda (D-Roxbury), lead Senate sponsor of the legislation. “Black-owned restaurants play a critical role in our economic and social fabric, dating back to the civil rights movement when activists found refuge to meet, plan, and organize in a safe place. We must protect and invest in our black owned businesses and gathering places. With this bill, the legislature is taking a significant step to expand and diversify Boston’s restaurant industry, while spurring economic development in our neighborhoods and tackling the racial wealth gap—deeply embedded in our food service and hospitality industries.”
“These new licenses are not just business permits;
they’re economic catalysts that will directly empower small business owners,
especially in communities that have long been excluded from opportunities,”
said Senator Lydia Edwards (D-East Boston). “By granting access to these
licenses, we’re creating real pathways for local entrepreneurs to grow their
businesses, generate more revenue, and contribute to the vibrancy of their
neighborhoods. This initiative is about fostering equitable growth, supporting
local economies, and ensuring that every part of our city has the tools to
thrive in an increasingly competitive market. These licenses will serve as a
foundation for long-term success, uplifting small businesses while driving the
broader economic development of Boston.”
“I am proud to support this equitable proposal that will give an economic boost to restaurants and small businesses across Boston, especially in communities of color that historically haven’t had much access to these licenses,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico (D-Everett). “I want to thank my colleagues for all their work moving this bill through the legislature.”
Having been passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, the legislation will now be sent to the Governor’s desk for her signature.
