Mirisola’s on L Street Up for Liquor License

UPDATE: The Boston Licensing Board has deferred their vote and will decide on Mirisola’s beer and wine license in the future.  More to follow! 

Should Michael Norton be taking this personally?  The owner of 749 East Broadway (at the corner of L Street) went before the  Boston Licensing Board to request a coveted unlimited liquor license a few months back. Norton was hoping to team up with known restauranteurs Brian Poe and Gordon Wilcox of Parrish Cafe and Rattlesnake Bar and Grille fame.  Unfortunately, Norton’s request for license was deferred.

And we can’t forget the Starbucks controversy – Norton was also denied a common victuallers license for this spot as well.

According to Universal Hub, Mirisola’s – the popular Italian spot – went before the Boston Licensing Board today looking to serve beer and wine.  In addition to Mayor Marty Walsh showing his full support of this license, Councilors Bill Linehan, Michael Flaherty and Annissa Essaibi-George also supported the bid.  

John Allison – South Boston Neighborhood Coordinator – who spoke on behalf of the City stated, “There’s a short of businesses serving what he is serving in the area.”  Hmmmm….this is the part that has us scratching our heads.  Short of businesses selling pizza, sandwiches and Italian dishes?  How about Sal’s directly across the street on L or Porto Bello up the street on East Broadway?

So far no neighbors have come forth to state any of the “Standard Southie Go To Complaint List” such as “residential neighborhood” “double parking” “heavy traffic area” “do they support local charities and sporting organizations?”  Yada, yada, yada.

Do we think Mirisola’s should get a beer and wine license?  Absolutely.  But we also think Norton should have got one the first time around too!  The playing field should be level and transparent.