Getting a coveted all-liquor license may become easier for Boston restaurants due to a provision in the state’s passed budget bill.

A small section in the $60.9 billion state budget for fiscal year 2026 would let municipalities grant restaurants an upgrade from a beer and wine license to a license that would allow them to serve spirits as well. The provision was inserted by state Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, a North End Democrat, according to The Boston Globe .

This change is especially big news in Boston, where both types of liquor licenses are capped by the state. The City Council is currently in the process of discussing the provision in order to allow Boston restaurants to trade in their licenses per an approval process, according to a press release from Mayor Michelle Wu’s office.

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