Local Restaurateurs Struggle to Obtain Beer & Wine Licenses

People outside the restaurant industry often don't realize the hassles involved with getting licensed to serve alcohol. The way it works is similar to how a small office parking lot operates: there are only x-amount of spaces, and in order to attain one, someone needs to give up his or her spot.

Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche has called on the City to increase the number of beer and wine licenses available in Somerville. The idea is to help restaurants currently without a license obtain one and improve the volume of their business.

It’s no big secret: customers will choose to dine elsewhere if they can't have a beer or glass of wine with their meal, which can severely impact business for restaurants without a license, Roche pointed out. Somerville holds sixteen beer and wine licenses, none of which are currently available for restaurants to apply, city officials said.

At the March 10 Board of Aldermen meeting, Roche proposed the increase but suggested to first look into whether or not it’s even a possibility. If deemed possible, the next steps would include a debate among the Board of Aldermen and a public hearing on whether “it’s the right thing to do,” he said.

“When you hear the testimony [at the License Commission hearing], you hear them all say, ‘If I don’t get one, I may have to close down. I may not survive,’” Roche said.

 The last time a license was available was the end of last year and three restaurants applied: Rodizio Brazilian Steakhouse on lower Broadway, Las Brisas on McGrath Highway and in Union Square. Somerville spokesman Michael Meehan said on average between three and five restaurants apply for a license when one opens up, but Roche estimated witnessing ten restaurants vying for the same license at one meeting in particular.

Las Brisas, a Latino restaurant that has been open for about five months on the corner of Pearl Street and McGrath Highway, received a license when the most recent one opened up towards the end of last year.

Rolando Romero, the owner of Las Brisas, said his profits have “definitely” increased since receiving the license. He said the crucial elements involved in receiving the license are the presentation to the Commission and, perhaps more importantly, community support.

The owners of Rodizio and Buk Kyung, who still remain without a license, could not be reached for comment despite numerous phone calls over several weeks.

Meehan explained that to obtain a Wine and Malt Restaurant License in Somerville, a restaurant owner must fill out a non-refundable $200 application and notify anyone next to the restaurant of the application. The Licensing Commission then holds a hearing that involves both public and restaurant input.

Roche also noted that more restaurants in East Somerville are without licenses than elsewhere in the city. He said it is especially difficult for East Somerville restaurants because customers may opt for established popular spots in Union  or Davis that can serve them a with their meal: customers need reasons to try something new, and not being able to have a beer doesn't make a very good one.

While restaurants could potentially generate more revenue strictly from alcohol profits, the larger concern is the loss of customers, according to Roche.

Since Somerville is known regionally for its restaurants, Meehan said the city supports looking into increasing the number of available licenses.

“It’s tough for any restaurant without a beer and wine license,” he said.

Meehan revealed that the City recently petitioned for more All-Forms Restaurant Licenses and received 12 new ones. Ten of those, however, will be restricted to Assembly Square for the new development under the Federal Realty Investment Trust project which will include 1.5 million square feet of retail space.