Allston to get a little spicier after midnight

The Boston Licensing Board yesterday approved a request from Mala, 129 Brighton Ave., to extend its closing time from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The restaurant successfully argued there's a public need for spicy Sichuan food in the night-owlish neighborhood because nobody else is currently serving such hot food that late at night.

Both the mayor's office and City Councilor Mark Ciommo (Allston/Brighton) supported the extended hours.