Boston, a city with approximately 160,000 college students, is adopting extreme measures to combat underage drinking due to notoriously strict alcohol laws. The Boston Police Department is authorized to enforce these provisions and can fine violators up to $250, or up to $300 for minors attempting to persuade others to purchase alcohol for them. Individuals who procure alcohol for underage individuals can face fines up to $200 or six months imprisonment, or both, upon conviction.
A prime example of this crackdown is the indefinite suspension of the liquor license for Allston's Draft Bar and Grill on Harvard Avenue. This popular bar, a favorite among Boston University students, faced severe consequences from the City of Boston's Liquor Licensing Board after multiple violations of serving alcohol to underage patrons. The board described the pattern of violations as significant enough to warrant immediate action.
During a series of hearings from January 6 to 8, 2026, the bar's owner, Derek Brady, was criticized for his operational practices. An incident on October 16 involved police finding three underage individuals drinking, with 75 to 100 people leaving when ID scans began. Licensing Board Chairwoman Kathleen Joyce questioned Brady's commitment to safety, noting his decision to rehire a manager involved in a violent incident at another bar he owns and his failure to replace a broken ID scanning machine since March. Commissioner Liam Curran speculated that Brady might be "deliberately catering to underage clientele" due to "tough" business conditions.
The bar's closure has impacted Boston University students, who viewed it as a vital "third space" and the "one college bar" where they could socialize. While acknowledging the reasons for the shutdown, students expressed sadness over the loss of a community gathering spot and lamented the already limited nightlife options in Boston. Some anticipate a new bar will eventually fill the void, but for now, students are encouraged to explore nightlife in areas like Cambridge, potentially interacting with students from other colleges.
While the owner may apply for reinstatement of the license, the board has indicated that substantial changes to the business's operations and safety practices will be required for approval, though these changes have not yet been publicly detailed.
