Somerville Licensing Commission Extends Outdoor Dining Hours

SOMERVILLE, MA — The Somerville Licensing Commission voted unanimously Monday to extend the closing time for outdoor dining service to 11:30 p.m. The previous closing time for restaurants was 10 p.m.

The measure takes effect immediately and will be effective until Nov. 1 unless otherwise modified by local or state legislation. The extension is dependent on restaurants filing a health and safety plan and receiving city approval of its socially distant seating layout.

Restaurants may also start selling mixed drinks with takeout and delivery food orders, per a bill signed by Gov. Charlie Baker Monday.

The new law means customers can now order beer, wine or cocktails when they grab something to go. The mixed drinks must be in a sealed container, and there cannot be more than 64 ounces of mixed drinks in one transaction or more than two mixed drinks per entrée. Cocktails must be ordered in the same transaction as food, and they cannot be ordered after midnight.

The measure takes effect immediately in Somerville.