A policy order regarding proposed License Commission guidelines

POR 2026-132 FIRST IN COUNCIL June 22, 2026 City of Cambridge VICE MAYOR AZEEM COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN WHEREAS: The Cambridge License Commission released an initial draft of proposed updates to the city’s alcohol licensing rules and regulations in April 2026; and WHEREAS: The working draft, as reported, would constrain alcohol service by, among other restrictions, requiring a thirty-minute waiting period between alcoholic drinks served and prohibit service of alcoholic drinks within twenty minutes of closing time; and WHEREAS: Small business owners have publicly stated that such restrictions may negatively impact their livelihoods; and WHEREAS: The City Council recognizes that a vibrant, welcoming nightlife and dining scene is an asset; and WHEREAS: The License Commission operates independently of the City Council, and the City Council has not been formally consulted on the substance of this working draft prior to its release to license holders; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council goes on record disapproving of the License Commission’s proposed working draft regulations as currently written; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Council urges the License Commission to engage in robust, transparent consultation with affected small business owners and the public, and weigh enforcement feasibility and economic impact before advancing any revised draft; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Clerk forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the Cambridge License Commission, the City Manager, and the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce.

A true copy; ATTEST:- Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk

City of Cambridge A policy order regarding proposed License Commission guidelines