Licensing Board
We grant and regulate various types of alcohol and food licenses for restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments in Boston. We also hold hearings on violations and license applications.
- On March 31, 2020, Governor Baker issued an Executive Order extending the temporary closure of certain non-essential businesses and the prohibition of gatherings of more than 10 people until Monday, May 4, 2020. Read the Licensing Board advisory.
- In addition, lodgings — including hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and short-term residential rentals (for example, Airbnb and Vrbo) — may only be used for efforts to fight COVID-19. The Licensing Board released an advisory on lodgings, as did the Mass. Department of Public Health.
- Effective Friday, April 3, 2020, Section 12 License holders are temporarily permitted to sell wine and malt beverages for off-premise consumption. Read the Licensing Board advisory for more details.
Contact
Search licenses
Analyze Boston is the City of Boston's open data hub. You can search through different types of licenses on their website.
Our process
Our processWe manage licensing for businesses in the City. Learn about our review process.
Learn about the rules and regulations behind the Licensing department.
The licensing board oversees public hearings in the City.
Resources
ResourcesNotices
Notices- 2015 Calendar Restrictions for Sale/Delivery of Alcohol
- Advisory: Off-Premises Retail Licensees Sunday Opening Time Allowed At 10 AM
- For Your Information
- Notice to Abutters – Definition of Abutter
- Notice to Lodging, Dormitory & Boarding Houses
- Advisory: Phone Scam Alert
- DOR Certificate of Good Standing Online Process
- ABCC – Caterer’s License
- G. L. c. 138, § 34B Amendment - MA identification card acceptable for proof of age
- Memo from Board re: Drug Use Prevention
- Memo From Chair: Alcohol Applications
- Memo from the Chair: Requests for Continuances of Violation (Tuesday) Hearings
Current members
| Member | Appointed | Expires | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liam Curran | 6/8/2016 | 6/1/2022 | Active |
| Keeana Saxon | 6/18/2018 | 6/1/2024 | Active |
| Kathleen Joyce | 10/9/2018 | 6/1/2020 | Active |
Board information
The Licensing Board regulates licenses pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapters 138 and 140, and the Rules of the Board.
Our board consists of three commissioners who are appointed by the Mayor of Boston. Each commissioner serves a six-year term.
Boston police officers also act as agents of our board, and report violations of the alcoholic and other laws relevant to our laws and hearings.
