BYOB Approved in Boston (Within Limits)

BOSTON, MA – The City of Boston’s Licensing Board unanimously approved rules and regulations to allow for BYOB (bring your own bottle) in Boston Wednesday, but many restrictions apply.

For now, the rules only apply to restaurants outside downtown neighborhoods, and only those on the smaller side – with capacity for 30 or fewer people – who don't already have an alcoholic beverage license through the city.

Restaurants that meet those specifications can apply for a permit that allows patrons to bring in alcoholic beverages to drink.

That means many neighborhood are excluded from the policy for now. Restaurants cannot apply for a BYOB license if they are in Downtown Boston, the North End, South End, Bay Village, Fenway, Chinatown, Seaport, West End, Beacon Hill or Back Bay neighborhoods.

It also only applies to wine and malt beverages, meaning you'd best leave your bottle of tequila at home.

"Malt beverages," better known as beer, can only be brought in containers 16 oz. or smaller, and no more than 64 0z. per person. Unlike some other cities' BYOB ordinances, restaurants in Boston can't charge a fee for uncorking a BYO bottle of wine.

The BYOB permit sunsets at 11 p.m., and isn't allowed to start until 5 p.m., meaning no champagne with brunch.

City Council President Michelle Wu said in a statement that Wednesday's is a first step toward a citywide BYOB permit. She cast the option as a "tool to boost economic activity" and more options for people dinging out.

"The result will be a more vibrant restaurant scene across the whole city," she said in a statement.

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