What’s New

Outdoor dining throughout Boston increased as a response to pandemic restrictions and, over the course of the past three years, further proliferated as customers, restaurant operators, and local officials realized the social and economic benefits of outdoor dining space. Even as concerns related to COVID-19 subside, customers continue to seek the diversity of options offered…

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Proposed Massachusetts Ballot Initiative Would Increase Retail Liquor License Cap A proposed ballot initiative is currently pending with the state legislature and, if the requisite signatures are obtained by the July 6, 2022 deadline, would appear on the ballot this November. The petition, titled “An Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to 21st Century Alcohol…

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Beginning Saturday, January 15, 2022, certain food establishments in the City of Boston will be required to obtain proof of COVID-19 vaccination from customers and employees. The vaccine mandate, officially titled the “Temporary Order Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination for Indoor Entertainment, Recreation, Dining, and Fitness Settings in the City of Boston” was established by the Boston…

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On September 29, 2020, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that effective Monday, October 5th, lower risk communities* will be permitted to move into Step II of Phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan with the following restrictions:     Indoor performance venues will be permitted to open with 50% capacity with a maximum of 250 people….

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On September 15, 2020, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced an extension of state tax deferral measures aimed at easing COVID-19 related financial burdens for the retail and hospitality sectors.   The tax deferral extension will include the following measures:   Extended Time Period for Deferral. Sales tax, meals tax, and room occupancy taxes will be…

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At a press conference on May 29, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito announced a plan for re-opening restaurants throughout Massachusetts. Re-opening will commence during Phase 2, with a specific date expected to be announced the first week in June.   Below is a synopsis of the re-opening plan:   • The…

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On April 3, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker signed an emergency bill into law allowing take-out and delivery of beer/wine for licensed restaurants in Massachusetts. The authorization applies to any restaurant which currently holds a valid “all alcoholic beverages” or “malt and wine beverages” license approved by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission and issued by the…

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On March 15, 2020, stemming from concerns about COVID-19, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued an order prohibiting on-premises bar and restaurant operations. The order, effective Tuesday, March 17 through April 5, 2020 (unless otherwise extended) states, in part “Any restaurant, bar or establishment that offers food or drink shall not permit on-premises consumption of food…

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On February 5, 2020, the Massachusetts House approved a bill that would regulate host community agreements and related caps on payments from marijuana companies. If the bill is passed by the Senate and signed into law, it would grant the Cannabis Control Commission authority to review and regulate host community agreements as part of the…

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This article was originally posted on Boston Magazine. Starting a new restaurant requires months, if not years, of planning. From concept to financing, location scouting to staffing, the number of tasks is countless, and the hurdles never-ending. The most difficult issues arise not from the things you expect, but from the unknown and unanticipated like…

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