One of the most difficult aspects of opening a restaurant, hotel, bar, club, brewery, package store or other business in the hospitality industry is obtaining proper permitting, specifically food, alcohol and entertainment licenses. As a Boston liquor license lawyer, I guide clients through the entire process, including the community outreach and government relations process, lease and asset purchase agreement negotiations, completion of the often-tedious license applications, representation of businesses before local and state licensing authorities for both transactional and disciplinary proceedings, and advising clients on compliance with restaurant and alcohol laws in Massachusetts.   

Alcohol license regulations in Massachusetts have a tendency to be complicated, making licenses increasingly difficult to obtain. Having a knowledgeable attorney who can effectively guide you through the legal process is crucial to prevent costly missteps and save you valuable time and money. 

My legal expertise includes a comprehensive knowledge of the Boston Zoning Code, including how to obtain variances and conditional use permits.  Whether clients are seeking to construct new properties or expand existing sites, I understand how to navigate the process required in the City of Boston. I have handled a variety of zoning cases for both commercial and residential properties throughout various neighborhoods of the City, representing clients in front of the City of Boston Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA), the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA), neighborhood associations and various city agencies. 

In addition to my legal practice, I also have a strategic partnership with McDermott Ventures, a multi-service business consulting firm specializing in public and government relations and marketing communications.  With McDermott Ventures, I assist companies through all phases of the real estate development and permitting process (Article 80), providing direction and counsel in the areas of government, community and media relations.  McDermott Ventures represents large national real estate companies and some of the nation's major REITs, as well as local real estate service companies, and small entrepreneurial developers, as they grow their portfolios in Massachusetts.