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. Learn more about the Licensing Board.
View all Licensing Board advisories
- Reminder: Common Victualler (without alcohol) License renewals occur in October. Common Victualler (with alcohol) License renewals occur in November. Make changes to your license before the renewal period. Find our amendment forms online. Don't forget to obtain valid copies of the Certificates of Inspection (CI) as well as they are required for your license renewals. Inspectors are at located at the Department of Inspectional Services (1010 Mass. Ave.) from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Be sure to pay for the CI then contact your inspector to schedule an inspection. Find your inspector online.
- Service Dog Policy: Licensees may post this policy at their establishments. Details regarding service and assistance animals may be found on the Mass.gov website.
- Stay updated: Join the Small Business Conference call every Tuesday at 3 p.m. on Zoom.
Contact
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1 City Hall Square
Room 809Boston, MA 02201-2035 -
Office hours by AppointmentMonday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. -
Alcohol Petition Online Form
For alcohol-related petitions and transactions, submit your application through the Licensing Board's new online form. You may email alcohol@boston.gov with questions.
2023 license renewals
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.
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.
| License Type (Click for instructions) | Renewal Period | Online Renewal Form | Contact Email |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Victualler (No Alcohol) | October 1, 2022 - October 31, 2022 (Late fee: Double current bill) | RenewCV@boston.gov | |
| Lodging House (2022-2023) |
April 1, 2022 - April 30, 2022 (Late fee: $10/month) |
RenewLodging@boston.gov |
Hearing Information
Licensing Board hearings are typically held during the first and last week of the month at either 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. You may contact the Board to verify the upcoming hearing dates at LicensingBoard@boston.gov.
- Violation hearings: Tuesdays
- Transactional (application) hearings: Wednesdays
- Voting hearings: Thursdays
Upcoming Hearing Dates
- August 2 (Violation)
- August 3 (Transactional)
- August 4 (Voting)
- August 23 (Violation)
- August 24 (Transactional)
- August 25 (Voting)
- August 31 - No hearings
- September 13 (Violation)
- September 14 (Transactional)
- September 15 (Voting)
- September 27 (Violation)
- September 28 (Transactional)
- September 29 (Voting)
- October 4 (Violation)
October 5 (Transactional)Cancelled (Yom Kippur)- October 6 (Voting)
- October 25 (Violation)
- October 26 (Transactional)
- October 27 (Voting)
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November 1 (Violation),
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November 2 (Transactional)
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November 3 (Voting)
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November 15 (Violation)
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November 16 (Transactional)
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November 17 (Voting)
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November 23 - No hearings
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November 30 - No hearings
- December 13 (Violation)
- December 14 (Transactional)
- December 15 (Voting)
Licensing Board information
The Licensing Board grants and regulates various types of alcohol and food licenses for restaurants, nightclubs, and other establishments in Boston.
Licensing Board information