Licensing Board

• 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.
• 2021 Outdoor Dining: Apply for the 2021 single-season Outdoor Dining program which will begin April 1, 2021. Applications may be submitted on a rolling basis. Please visit our 2021 Outdoor Dining website for key dates, guidance, common questions, and a link to the application.
• Reduced capacity: Beginning December 26, 2020, restaurants will be required to reduce the capacity which is listed on the Inspection Certificate to 25 percent (excluding staff). As of January 5, 2020, the reduced capacity has been extended for an additional three weeks. Read the Board's advisory.
• Bar Seating Plan application (as of Monday, December 14, 2020): Due to the public health metrics, bar seating in the City of Boston will be closed beginning Wednesday, December 16, 2020, but may be permitted with an express written approval by the Licensing Board for the City of Boston. In order to safely utilize the bar seating, licensees must submit a Bar Seating Plan to the Board for review and approval. 

View all COVID-19 advisories

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.