256 W Fifth St’s Jim’s Variety is seeking a wine and malt beverages license and extending their hours from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. This license would permit the sale of beer and wine, but still prohibit the sale of hard liquor.

An abutters’ meeting was held on June 16, and received overwhelming support from the younger neighbors who frequent Jim’s. One neighbor phoned in from Loco, another from the gym, and at least two groups of roommates huddled around a single laptop to voice their support.

One neighbor even put her baby on the screen. “We both support Jim’s getting their liquor license for beer and wine. And I could definitely use it because of him,” she said.

Caroline Walsh, the niece of the original, eponymous Jim, even claimed her uncle would approve of the store adding to its merchandise.

Messages like “Should we all hang out?” and “Let’s all go to Jim’s directly after this meeting,” flooded the chat. “This is so empowering,” typed Emily Kunkle. 

The request was not without opposition. Some neighbors expressed concerns about the noise the increased late-night foot traffic may cause. Additional concerns were raised about how Jim’s could fit beer and wine while still providing the conveniences required by the community within such a confined space. 

Paul Gannon, who represented Jim’s owner Rupal Patel, claimed that the addition of beer and wine would not require an expansion of the store nor interfere with their regular services. “They’re being creative with some of the shelving and the coolers,” he said. “They’ve done this before, and it’s very doable.”

Some neighbors were also worried about the noise that would result from the extended hours. ”Maybe because I’m older than some of the other people who are commenting, but it’s a little late for the noise factor.”

“Up until 11, a convenience store, restaurant, something like that, what we call a common victualer, they’re allowed to open as of right until that time,” shared South Boston Community Engagement Specialist Sigurgeir Jonson. “…The [Licensing Board] will generally grant 11 to anyone who applies.”

The roughly 40 neighbors who came out to speak on Jim’s potential licensing can be attributed to the store advocating directly to its customers. A petition was circulated and flyers distributed under residents’ doors, said Elizabeth from Gold St.

Customers were also asked to attend directly. “[My roommates and I] go there every day for coffee and food, and they told us about it,” said Caroline Dillon.

A date for Jim’s to go before the Licensing Board has yet to be determined. Questions, comments, and requests to be alerted when a date is set can be sent to Jonson at [email protected].