Absolutely YES! You hit the nail right on the head when you said the process was antiquated. The Rox has proven to be good, responsible, and VERY popular neighbors and business people. So why even pose the question? I say don't ask if they need it, but rather why do we need the WR Neighborhood Council. They are as antiquated as the process itself. It is 2012, adults should be free to choose if they want a drink with supper or not, without fear of being babysat by a stuffy group of people who speak for themselves, rather than the betterment of out neighborhood.

Why on Earth anyone would deny this request is beyond me. It's a tiny restaurant that wants to serve people a couple of beers with dinner. No one is going to the Rox Diner to get roaring drunk and wander around the neighborhood talking in a loud voice. (There are several places that already serve that purpose.)

Rox has dutifully earned the right to serve beer and wine.

All I can say in regards to Mr Murphy is that the West Roxbury Neighborhood Council gives people the opportunity to express their opinion on among other things liquor
licenses. They get to do it in their own neighborhood instead of having to take time off & do it in City Hall. I happen to think input from the neighborhood on issues is a good thing and if that makes me antiquated then so be it

But I have attended your meetings, and seen what your group has done.....I remember how intrusive you questioning was over IScream works. I am merely stating the truth. Only two neighborhood councils exist in the city...there should be 24 members in ours yet the head chose to keep it at 12. He has been there since Flynn appointed him at the outset...so yes it is antiquated. You have not ever spoken for me on my behalf....the council should be removed. You allow banks to enter freely, but someone who wants to add on for a growing family, or God forbid open a decent, "usable" business gets dragged through the mud. Your group should have NO SAY on the matter....that is what we have a licensing board for. Keep in mind...I have NEVER tried to open a business or or ad on to my house thank God, I can onlt imagine the backlash.

Thank you for your comments and opinions - keep 'em coming... I think the WRNC provides a valuable asset to the community by representing the community, and like any representative entity or individual, not everyone is always going to agree with their opinions. WRNC's votes are not binding, and are looked upon as recommendations. I think that if we got rid of neighborhood associations we'd have some major trouble locally in neighborhoods because Boston is too big to not have neighborhoods talking about their local issues. It would also be tougher to learn about things coming out of the neighborhoods. The WRNC does not provide alcohol licenses, those are from the city and state, which base their decisions upon recommendations from local officials, boards, and associations. I think the bigger problem is that there is a limit on alcohol licenses. Is that needed? I can understand not having a package store on every corner. I could see city and state supporting the Rox Diner's application for a beer and wine license, as it looks like it compliments their dinner business model. I also like and appreciate Stephen Smith's probing questions - questions need to be asked. Of course, I'm a journalist and support asking questions. Also the WRNC cannot stop businesses from coming in such as banks. You start with landlords on that one. We do have a lot of banks.

I havent eaten there yet, but wine and beer is sufficient. It helps the pallet savor every bite.

Chef Johnnie and his partner Paul put everything they have
into their venues, heart & soul & especially their dollars. Their signature dishes are outstanding. Let their business thrive in a down economy or they won't be here in our 'hood forever! There are greener pastures but for their asking...