In light of the stakes, the least Boston can do is tweak its more baroque permitting rules to enhance the city’s appeal for another generation. A new set of policy changes proposed by the Walsh administration’s Late Night Task Force speaks to the range of possibilities.

When Governor Charlie Baker and Mayor Marty Walsh were making their pitch to General Electric, Boston’s youthful vigor was the linchpin of their argument. Read the bid book: It touts the “creativity from the 20- to 34-year-old demographic.” It boasts that younger adults make up more of the population here than any other city.

DESPITE WHAT skeptics might think, encouraging livelier nightlife in Boston isn’t about enabling drunken bros. In fact, the city’s competitiveness depends upon it.


The panel has produced a short list of nuts-and-bolts recommendations: Bars and restaurants that currently can offer alcohol until 10 or 11 p.m. could, with proper hearings, be allowed to serve until midnight. Establishments with patios and decks could serve alcohol to patrons who haven’t bought entrees. Entertainment licensing would be simplified.

These recommendations are sensible but modest. City Hall can’t simply will a 24-7 cultural life into existence. What it can do is tell late-night entrepreneurs that the city’s default stance has changed — that, when in doubt, Boston will allow new business ideas to go forward.

Still, the political system hasn’t fully digested the need to accommodate younger workers. The MBTA’s late-night service is on the verge of being pared back. Legislation, backed by Walsh, to extend Boston bar hours past 2 a.m. has stalled on Beacon Hill.

Meanwhile, in day-to-day governing, there’s always some reason to maintain the status quo. Ironically, Walsh proved that last week, when his administration opposed a plan by the organizers of a millennial-friendly event called Wine Riot to open up a retail outlet in the South End. The mayor’s office objected that the neighborhood was already well served by wine stores. Fortunately, supporters of the new store rallied on social media and in real life — a blueprint for how younger voters can get the city’s attention. In the end, the Licensing Board approved the application.


It’s helpful when the people at City Hall and GE understand, in theory, the value of attracting 20- to 34-year-olds. But there’s also a lesson here for younger Bostonians, who generally don’t get involved in local government. The doors to the city open wider when you’re part of the discussion than when you’re not.

Dante Ramos can be reached at dante.ramos@globe.com. Follow him on Facebook: facebook.com/dante

ramos or on Twitter: @danteramos.