The City of Boston’s Licensing Board unanimously voted last week to amend its rules and regulations and allow BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) in Boston.
“I see this as an opportunity to bring increased economic activity to neighborhoods across Boston, and I thank the Licensing Board for taking up this measure that has great potential to make a positive impact on our city’s economic growth,” said Mayor Marty Walsh. “I look forward to reviewing the revised regulations that will be put forth by the Licensing Board in the coming months.”
Current regulations prohibit patrons from bringing any alcoholic beverages for their own consumption onto the premises of any licensed establishment.
“Yesterday’s vote is an exciting step forward as the Licensing Board officially sanctioned BYOB dining in Boston,” said City Council President Michelle Wu. “BYOB will bring new vitality to our city by giving small business owners and consumers more options to build a vibrant restaurant scene in every neighborhood.”
As part of the next steps, the Boston Licensing Board will draft stringent rules to regulate the practice of BYOB and will schedule a public hearing. At the end of 2015, the City Council passed and Mayor Walsh signed an ordinance to allow for BYOB to be considered by the Licensing Board in Boston.
