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.
Our board issues and regulates:
- alcohol and food
- hotels, inns, and lodging houses
- fraternities and dormitories
- billiards, pool and sippio tables, and bowling alleys, and
- fortune teller licenses within Boston.
These licenses are regulated by the Board 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.
Contact
617-635-4170
1 City Hall Square
Room 809
Boston, MA 02201-2035
United States
Monday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Our process
How we review applications
We manage licensing for businesses in the City. Learn about our review process.
Rules and regulations
Learn about the rules and regulations behind the Licensing department.
What happens at public hearings
The licensing board oversees public hearings in the City.
More resources
Fees for licenses and public information requests
Board Members
MA Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission
Secretary of State Office
Notices
Current
- 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
2013 Archives
2013 Renewal Instructions
2012 Archives