Boston Liquor Laws

Last weekend I was in Boston, and we decided to go to the North End for Italian food. I was craving a Martini, and was told that they didn't have gin. So, I asked if there was scotch. Another no. I saw liquor bottles. Upon further inspection, all they had was liqueurs and flavored booze (honey bourbon, flavored vodkas, etc), and of course beer and wine. I asked the bartender about it, and he said that they had a cordial license only. Now, I am from Texas, and some of our liquor laws are a bit strange, but I haven't heard of anything like this. Can anybody out there add a little more info. about this?