City officials are petitioning the state legislature for more liquor licenses, which would be used in the Commerce Way area.

The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to petition the state for eight additional licenses in what the city has zoned the "Commerce Way Overlay District."

"This is another part of the puzzle to provide an economic opportunity in that part of our city," said Alderman-At-Large Richard Haggerty, who worked on the petition with Alderman Mark Gaffney.

The petition is asking for eight licenses, which allow patrons to drink alcohol on the premises. It also states that if a business relinquishes the license, it is transferred back to the city and cannot be sold or  transferred to another business.

"This is going to be integral part as the economy improves and as people look to expand and come out of Boston," said Alderman Mike Raymond. "This is going to go a long way to develop that whole area." 

Haggerty told officials last night that he is "cautiously optimistic" that both the State Senate and House will approve the special act request. 

"It’s important to our city," he said.