Licensing Board
Update: Our office is closed to the public. You can reach our staff Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., at 617-635-4170 or by email licensingboard@boston.gov. Visit the City's COVID-19 reopening page for more information.
- Commencements and graduations: The Licensing Board issued an advisory regarding commencement and graduations. Read the advisory. You can submit a COVID-19 safety plan online.
- Reopening Phase 4, Step advisory: Beginning, March 22, 2021, licensed premises are permitted live entertainment indoors with conditions. The gathering limit has increased to 60 people inside and 100 people outside.As of March 1, licensed premises are permitted to increase to full seated capacity with social distancing. There is a 90-minute time limit on dining and a six-person-per-table maximum. Food service is required with alcohol service. Read the advisory for more details.
- 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: You can now apply for the 2021 single-season Outdoor Dining program, which will begin on March 22, 2021 (previously 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.
About the 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.
Contact
Room 809
Do you want to apply for an Entertainment license or Special Events permit? Contact the Entertainment Licensing Division.
If you would like to apply for a Cannabis-related license, visit the Cannabis Board page.
Hearing materials
Hearing materialsLicensing Board hearings are typically held on Mondays (emergency violations), Tuesdays (violations), Wednesdays (transactional), and Thursdays (voting). You can find the Board's hearing videos prior to 2021 on the Board information page.
- December 17, 2020 (2021 outdoor dining help session)
- January 4, 2021
- January 11, 2021
- January 19, 2021
- January 25, 2021
- January 26, 2021
- January 27, 2021
- January 28, 2021
- February 1, 2021
- February 3, 2021
- February 9, 2021
- February 22, 2021
- March 1, 2021
- March 3, 2021
- March 4, 2021
- March 8, 2021
- March 29, 2021
- March 30, 2021
- March 30, 2021 (North End Outdoor Dining Hearing)
- April 1, 2021
- April 5, 2021
- April 7, 2021
- April 8, 2021
You can find the Licensing Board's voting agendas prior to 2021 on the Licensing Board information page.
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