Entertainment Licensing

We license and regulate entertainment activities in Boston.

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LICENSING BOARD updates:

For questions regarding Entertainment, please email MOCAL@boston.gov.
Stay updated: Join the Small Business Conference call every Tuesday at 3 p.m. on Zoom.
2023 Entertainment License: Entertainment renewals for the 2023 license will occur during the month of November. Please obtain valid Inspection Certificates, Place of Assembly permits, and your 2022/2021 Annual Report. They are required for the renewal application.

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Consumer Affairs

If you need help with filing a consumer complaint or information on your consumer rights, contact the Consumer Affairs Office.

Licensing Board

If you would like to apply for a Common Victualler or Alcohol license, contact the Licensing Board.

Contact

617-635-4165
send an email
1 City Hall Square, Room 809

Boston, MA 02201
United States
Office hours

Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
About Entertainment Licensing

We license and regulate entertainment activities in Boston. We maintain safety and order in Boston's restaurants and nightclubs through the licensing and monitoring of entertainment activities. Find out more about our work.
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2023 Renewals

Inspection Certificates:

If your licensed premise has any seats, the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) is requiring all licensees to get a valid Inspection Certificate. Invoices are mailed and emailed for the building permits two months before the expiration date.

Who to contact at ISD:

If you need an invoice or to schedule an inspection, please contact your building inspector. There is a list online of all the inspectors' contact information, including phone and email. You may refer to this document as well for the most updated information. The best time to schedule an appointment for inspection is at 1010 Mass. Avenue (5th floor) at 8 - 9 a.m. and 3 - 4 p.m. when the inspectors are in the office.

Please note: Renewal applications were mailed directly to the licensed premise at the end of October. If you have not received your application, please email Entertainment@boston.gov with the Business Name and address so that we may email you a copy of the application.

To completely submit your renewal application, you will be required to submit an application on the below application links and also submit payment online. Please VERIFY the total amounts before submitting the payment as we have seen issues with some browsers and licensees have overpaid for a license. Have questions? Contact entertainment@boston.gov