When applicants go before the Boston Licensing Board for a liquor license, they have to answer the question of the "public need" for the license. At a hearing this morning, a lawyer for the Hyatt chain cited Boston's international stature as a reason for the board to approve the chain's proposed purchase of the license now used by An Tain on India Street for a 294-room, 12-story hotel it's building at 315 Northern Ave. in the Seaport.
"In a world-class city, it's essential to have a liquor license there," attorney Joseph Devlin said.
The board could vote tomorrow whether to approve the purchase. If it wins approval, Hyatt would use its icense to serve drinks to guests and visitors, including in two bars, one in the lobby - which would be on the second floor since the first floor of the building will house stores - one on the 12th floor.
The new $85-million hotel will be geared towards business travelers, Devlin said. It will include small meeting rooms, he added.