Boston Licensing Board Deliberates on 24-Hour Service and Alcohol Licenses Amid Community Support

The Boston Licensing Board meeting on January 15, 2025, addressed a variety of applications for business and alcohol licenses, with focus on extending operating hours and the evaluation of new alcoholic beverage licenses. Notably, the board discussed proposals from businesses seeking to provide 24-hour service and expand their alcoholic beverage offerings, reflecting ongoing community and business interests in enhancing service options.

0:00One of the most engaging discussions centered around Masteran Corporation’s application to extend the operating hours of its Burger King on Bennington Street in East Boston to a 24-hour schedule. President Bret Kohler explained that the remodel scheduled for February would facilitate this change, allowing the drive-thru and delivery services to operate continuously while the dining room would continue closing at 11 p.m. Community feedback, relayed by Conor Newman from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, was generally supportive, particularly given the restaurant’s proximity to the airport and the demand for late-night dining options. The board emphasized the need to consider safety and noise implications.

30:34Another focal point was the application from CJ Corporation, doing business as El Centro, located in Roxbury, seeking a common victual or 7-day alcoholic beverages license. The restaurant, which specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine, has been a neighborhood staple since 2011. Attorney Kristen Scanland, representing the applicants Allan Rodriguez and Robbie Islam, highlighted the community’s longstanding request for a wider range of beverages, particularly tequilas and mezcals. The board acknowledged the restaurant’s positive reputation and the support from a petition submitted with numerous signatures. The discussion also touched on the implications of the new licensing legislation, with the applicants expressing interest in an unrestricted license due to their operational history.

In East Boston, Alamira Banquets LLC, doing business as Meito Orient Heights, also sought to upgrade to a 7-day all-alcoholic beverages license. Since its opening in 2015, the establishment has been known for its family-oriented and welcoming atmosphere. The application, presented by Attorney Kristen Scanland on behalf of owner Altimir Carpio, was driven by customer requests for cocktails and specific liquor brands that the current license does not accommodate. The Orient Heights Neighborhood Council showed strong support for the application, recognizing the restaurant’s community contributions, including hosting events for local schools.

0:00The board heard substantial community backing for the proposals, including personal testimonies from residents and representatives. Conor Newman confirmed positive community meetings, and Councilor Gabriella K. Sapata’s representative, Gabriel Rir, also expressed support, highlighting the community involvement and service provided by these businesses.

14:46In addition to these discussions, the board also reviewed applications from other businesses seeking changes in operational licenses and management, such as Renegades Pub’s change in ownership interest and Manina Cafe’s request for a common victualer and wines and malt beverages license. These applications were largely procedural, with the board focusing on ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining community standards.

0:00The board took all applications under advisement, with plans to reconvene for a final decision the following morning.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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