Often at odds, Spilka and Wu share common ground on liquor-license control

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Senate President Karen Spilka, after a nail-biter of a recount affirmed one of her top deputies eked out a win, said it's "time to put the primary campaign politics behind us." Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on Wednesday described every election as a chance to strengthen civic engagement.

About two weeks out from primary day, the two pols — the legislative leader who raised her eyebrow at the money, time and political energy spent "trying to remake the Senate" and the mayor, a notable spender of political capital in two high-profile races — probably aren't quite ready to sit down for a beer summit and talk it out.

But for all the ways Wu and Spilka have clashed, from this year’s electoral battles to the original property tax dispute that sparked those fights, the two actually share an overlapping wishlist when it comes to liquor laws.

Wu used her annual address to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce to take a victory lap on the city’s summer of marquee events, talk up housing and economic development plans, and continue her push for more local control from Beacon Hill.

For one thing, Wu said, the state should "act urgently" to bring back, permanently, the World Cup-era law that let muncipalities temporarily extend last call.

"Restaurants and bars deserve the freedom to choose their hours, obtain a liquor license without unnecessary barriers and chase a Michelin Star," she said. "If we want young people to build their lives here, nightlife and fun have to be part of our economy and part of our culture."

The mayor’s comments got applause from the standing-room only crowd. Later, in a Q&A with Chamber President and CEO Jim Rooney, Wu teased a 2027 legislative agenda theme of greater flexibility for Boston (and other cities).

“We don't expect — I mean, I'll ask for it — but I don't expect the state's going to suddenly hand over the reins to cities to say, 'Okay, you set your own taxes, you make your own decisions, you decide how many liquor licenses, you decide when businesses can open and close,’” she said.

If she does ask about liquor licenses, she could very well hear a “yes” from the Senate.

Spilka, too, wants to give cities and towns control over how many liquor licenses they can issue, telling MASSterList in July she finds it "ridiculous" that Beacon Hill gets to make the call when municipal officials know their residents and main streets best.

Senators approved a measure, written into their economic development bill, that would let cities and towns choose how many licenses to give out. That leaves its fate up to negotiations with the House.

At least some senators have also voiced support for giving communities the option to push their last calls back by an hour, too. But leaders in the House tend to tense up about the idea of relaxing liquor laws, meaning Wu could have an uphill climb even with her allies in that branch.

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