Boston to roll out new liquor licenses in underserved communities NECN [Video]

It’s been a busy summer at Cool Shade in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood.

The Jamaican eatery sees dozens of customers each day serving up jerk chicken, plantains and plenty of rice and beans.

“For the food, it’s pretty good,” said Cool Shade owner Andre Williams. “But the liquor would definitely attract way more diverse customers here.”

Williams is just one of many small business owners applying for a new liquor license after Beacon Hill granted the City of Boston 225 licenses intended for 13 neighborhoods that have previously been passed over or priced out of the process.

“This is going to be really important for creating more and new vibrancy across the entire city,” said Segun Idowu, Boston’s chief of economic opportunity and inclusion.

Boston leaders say it’s critical the rollout meets the moment.

“We want to see and take the time to be thoughtful about where these licenses should go …