Boston’s late-night scene has a chance to get more exciting
Mayor Walsh’s Late Night Task Force recently submitted its recommendations for keeping the city up and out later.
Extending how late some establishments can serve alcohol, loosening music and drink restrictions on patios, and streamlining the bureaucracy around permitting are among the recommendations for making Boston’s after-hours scene more exciting, as drafted by Mayor Marty Walsh’s Late Night Task Force and submitted to city officials this week.
“We wanted to make sure that for those owning a restaurant, it was as easy as possible to interact with the city,’’ said Rory Cuddyer, the mayor’s startup manager who served as co-chairman of the task force, a collective of local restaurant owners, business leaders, law enforcement officials, and students.
The recommendations focus on extending hours, improving entertainment, and easing the notorious bureaucracy that restaurant and bar owners can face at City Hall. All require additional measures, such as hearings, community input, or legislative action, to move forward.
While Boston restaurants can’t stay open later than 2 a.m.—and wouldn’t be able to without legislative change—some are only licensed to serve booze until 10 p.m. In an effort to keep the city open later, the task force recommended letting these establishments extend their liquor licenses to 11 p.m. or midnight.
Walsh launched the task force in 2014 “… to help foster and grow a safe and vibrant late night culture,’’ according to a news release. The group conducted most of its research throughout 2015.
“In the City of Boston, we have an opportunity to create the kind of nightlife that visitors expect in a world-class city,’’ Walsh said in a statement. “I thank all the members of the task force who came together over the course of several months to help us think about how to make Boston a more exciting and engaging place to live, work and play. I look forward to further exploring these recommendations to make Boston even more enjoyable for everyone.’’
Cuddyer said the recommendations have been sent to city officials, who ultimately decide which routes to explore.
“This is something that isn’t going to happen overnight,’’ Cuddyer said. “But I think the recommendations are a good start and something we can build off of in the future.’’
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