Boston Approves Full Liquor Licenses for Five Businesses

Upgrades from beer and wine licenses aim to boost community ties and economic vitality.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Boston Licensing Board has approved full liquor licenses for five local businesses that previously held only beer and wine licenses. The move comes after the Massachusetts State Legislature empowered local enterprises in the Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget, allowing for a seamless transition from limited to full liquor licenses. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu spearheaded the initiative, which was approved by the City Council to help bolster community ties and economic vitality.

Why it matters

The approval of full liquor licenses for these five businesses is part of a broader effort by the city of Boston to support local entrepreneurs and revitalize community spaces. The new legislation aims to create more robust dining and drinking options for residents, while also providing a boost to small businesses that were previously limited to serving only beer and wine.

The details

The five businesses that received the liquor license upgrades are Life Time and Trident Booksellers in the Back Bay, Mi Pueblito Orient Heights in East Boston, and Little Sage and Papare Ristorante in the North End. The Licensing Board opened a dialogue with the public and licensees before laying down new rules to streamline the transition process for recent applicants.

  • In late September 2025, the Boston City Council approved the initiative spearheaded by Mayor Michelle Wu.
  • Starting in October 2025, the Licensing Board began the process of reviewing applications and approving the five businesses for full liquor licenses.
  • The five businesses are now awaiting a final nod from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission following an in-depth review.

The players

Michelle Wu

The mayor of Boston who spearheaded the initiative to empower local enterprises with full liquor licenses.

Kathleen Joyce

The chair of the Boston Licensing Board who reiterated the success of the new legislation in creating a pathway for existing beer and wine establishments to expand.

Courtney Flynn

The co-owner of Trident Booksellers and Cafe, one of the businesses that received a full liquor license upgrade.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As a family-owned small business for 40 years, we are always looking for ways to better serve our community. We believe this upgrade will provide a more robust experience for our customers.”

— Courtney Flynn, Co-Owner, Trident Booksellers and Cafe (City of Boston)

“We have created a pathway for existing beer and wine establishments to expand.”

— Kathleen Joyce, Chair, Boston Licensing Board (City of Boston)

What’s next

The five businesses that received the full liquor license upgrades are now awaiting a final nod from the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission following an in-depth review.

The takeaway

The approval of full liquor licenses for these five businesses is part of a broader effort by the city of Boston to support local entrepreneurs and revitalize community spaces. The new legislation aims to create more robust dining and drinking options for residents, while also providing a boost to small businesses that were previously limited to serving only beer and wine.