POR 2026-124 · Agenda item attachment · Jun 22 2026

POR 2026-124 FIRST IN COUNCIL June 22, 2026 City of Cambridge COUNCILLOR NOLAN MAYOR SIDDIQUI COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN COUNCILLOR ZUSY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS WHEREAS: At a recent meeting of the Cambridge License Commission, the Board discussed updating its current rules and regulations after a review of many years of changes to state law and a review of observed issues by the Board, and published a draft document with suggested changes that were sent to each licensee in May; and WHEREAS: The License Commission indicated that the proposed changes are a preliminary working draft and have since begun actively soliciting input from licensees through a series of listening sessions; and WHEREAS: Despite these efforts to solicit feedback, many affected businesses are not aware of the proposed changes and some affected licensees who have asked to meet to discuss changes have not been invited to do so; and WHEREAS: Many of the proposed changes are unnecessarily restrictive and would impose significant operational and management changes on licensees; and WHEREAS: Cambridge’s business community, bars and restaurants in particular, is currently devoting time and resources to ensure the success of World Cup programming, including the temporary pilot programs for extended hours and designated public consumption districts, with very little notice, which means that any additional changes to the alcohol licensing framework should not be considered until after the summer season is over so businesses and City staff can focus on the success of already planned events including the Cambridge United soccer watch parties, Citywide Dance Party, Porchfest, and other signature events; and WHEREAS: The City should take great care to ensure that changes to the City’s licensing framework are informed by outreach to all affected business associations, community groups, and members of the public; now therefore be it That the Cambridge City Council go on record disapproving of the License Commission’s proposed working draft regulations as currently written; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to develop a plan for inclusive and robust engagement on any proposed licensing changes, and to ensure that the City’s licensing framework remains as efficient, accessible, and streamlined as the law allows, without imposing unnecessary barriers or burdens on licensees; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner. In City Council June 22, 2026. Adopted as Amended by a yea and nay vote:- Yeas 8; Nays 0; Absent 1.- Attest:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk A true copy; ATTEST:- Paula M. Crane Interim City Clerk