Licensing Board Defers decision about Starbucks

2.1 min readBy Published On: August 18th, 2016Categories: News3 Comments on Licensing Board Defers decision about Starbucks

UPDATE: Licensing Board has approved the common victualler license for the Starbucks at L and Broadway!

Yet another bump in the road for Starbucks at L and Broadway in Southie! The Boston licensing board decided on Thursday to defer the vote on the common victualler license for the coffee chain to open at 749 East Broadway.  The reason for the postponement?  To review all emails from South Boston residents to ensure there is enough community support to approve license.

Statement from licensing board chairwoman,Christine Pulgini: “Leading up to the hearing and continuing to this morning, the Board has received a voluminous amount of emails, both in support and opposition of Starbucks. I felt it is important to review them all before we vote. I moved that we defer matter. The other board members agreed.”

So last chance Southie, whether your in support or opposition to Starbucks – have your voice heard by contacting the board by email.

The first Starbucks battle back in the spring ended with the Boston licensing board denying Starbucks a common victualler license.  But Starbucks was granted another hearing for the CV license which took place on Wednesday.

The space at 749 East Broadway has already been approved for zoning for a restaurant but needs this CV license to operate.  According the city’s website“Every food service establishment in the City of Boston with capabilities for cooking, preparing and serving food is required to have a Common Victualler License.”  

On Monday, a community meeting was held and of the 100 plus crowd in attendance a majority seemed to be in favor of Starbucks opening most stating it would be a welcomed addition to the neighborhood.  Those in opposition voiced concerns that the coffee chain may affect other mom and pop coffee shops in the neighborhood. Other reasons for opposition ranged from traffic, trash, double parking and public safety.

Many of the same proponents and opponents of Starbucks showed up at the hearing at City Hall on Wednesday morning to have their voices heard.

Surprises of the hearing?  City Councilor Michael Flaherty – who was originally against the first go around – showed his support stating he received numerous emails and phone calls from Team Pro Starbucks.  City Councilor Bill Linehan – also showed his support.

The mayor’s office is still against it.  And City Councilor Michelle Wu and State Senator Linda Dorcena Forry – who voiced opposition back in the spring – were silent  at the hearing.

The licensing board has 30 days to come back with a decision.  Stay tuned. 

3 Comments

  1. Frank odonoghue August 20, 2016 at 5:29 pm - Reply

    Location traffic congestion : no traffic parking available: bus stop location: no place for unloading supplies for store unsafe crossing for seniors going to stop. Shop

    • Joe August 25, 2016 at 3:52 pm - Reply

      Call the wah-bulance…

    • Charlie August 25, 2016 at 6:51 pm - Reply

      Seriously. You’ve listed a bunch of generic complaints about most of Southie. You can’t blame Starbucks for those.

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