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One-Day Charity Wine Pouring License

A license to pour donated wine at a tasting event, for nonprofits only. It involves both Boston's Licensing Board and the state.

This license is for Massachusetts-registered nonprofits pouring donated wine at a one-day tasting event. It’s issued by the Boston Licensing Board in coordination with the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC), so it takes longer to process than Boston’s standard one-day alcohol license. Allow a full 6 to 8 weeks total processing time. How it works:

  1. You complete the state’s ABCC application form and the Licensing Board form and submit them both to the Licensing Board. 
  2. The Licensing Board reviews them and forwards them to the ABCC for final state approval. 
  3. The ABCC approves your application.
  4. The Licensing Board issues your license after you’ve paid the fee.

If your event doesn’t involve serving donated wine, see the Special One-Day Alcohol License instead.

Questions? Contact the Licensing Board. We’re happy to answer any questions and walk you through the process step-by-step.

Who Can Apply

You can apply for this license if you’re a qualifying charity pouring donated wine at a one-day tasting event.

To qualify, your organization must be:

Before You Apply

You can host your wine tasting at either an existing licensed venue (like a restaurant or event space) or your nonprofit’s headquarters.

You can only serve donated wine. You can’t purchase alcohol for this type of event.

Get Your Application Signed

You must get your application signed by the Police District Captain for your precinct before the Licensing Board will accept it. This can take 3 to 5 business days, so plan to start it at least 4 weeks before your event.

Required Documents

Gather these before you start your application:

  • City application form. Special One-Day Alcohol License application form downloaded and signed by the applicant.
  • Police sign-off. Signature from the Boston Police District Captain for your neighborhood on your City application.
  • State application form. A completed state ABCC application. Boston’s Licensing Board submits this to the state on your behalf.
  • Nonprofit documentation:
    • Articles of Incorporation showing you’re registered as a Massachusetts corporation.
    • Certificate of Exemption. A state issued certificate showing that your organization is exempt from paying sales tax.
    • Certificate of Good Standing. An official document proving that your organization has filed all required state tax returns and paid all state tax obligations.
    • Certificate of Solicitation. An official document issued by the Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division of the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) that legally allows a public charity to raise funds from the public.
  • Floor plan. A floor plan showing where alcohol will be served and consumed, your exits, and the boundaries of your space.
  • Cover letter. Describe your event’s date, time, expected number of attendees, and your security plan, which should detail:
    • Where alcohol will be served,
    • Who’s checking IDs, and
    • How you’ll prevent underage drinking (wristbands, stamps, or refusing entry, for example).
  • A letter from that venue acknowledging receipt of the donated wine for your event.

Fees

One-Day Charity Wine licenses cost $75 per day.

There is no ABCC fee.

How to Pay

Online payments are the fastest and easiest way to pay Licensing Board fees. Once you’ve paid, we’ll email the license to you.

  • Online: You can pay online by credit card, debit card, or check. We will send you instructions and a payment link via email.
  • By mail: Check payable to “City of Boston” (include your license name and number in the memo).
  • In person: Cash, by appointment only at window M-8 at City Hall, or with a credit card or check in person in room 809.

There is a 2.75% fee for credit and debit card transactions. There is no fee for electronic check payments. Returned payments are charged a $25 fee in addition to the license fee.

How to Apply

Our application process is hybrid. Download the PDF form, obtain a physical signature from your local police precinct, and then submit everything through our online portal.

  1. Download and complete the Special One-Day Alcohol License application.
  2. Download and complete the ABCC Charity Wine Fundraising License.

Before moving to the next step, make sure you have the required supporting documents ready.

At least 4 weeks before your event

Before you can submit your application to the Licensing Board, you must get it signed by the Police District Captain where the event takes place.

  1. Find your local precinct by entering your event address on the My Neighborhood Tool and clicking the Public Safety icon.  
  2. Drop off your application at that precinct’s front desk. Some precincts can provide a digital signature over email. Get in touch with your precinct to find out their preferred process.
  3. Plan for 3 to 5 business days for the Captain to review and sign your form. Precinct staff will call or email you when it is ready to pick up.

The Licensing Board requires this signed physical form before accepting your online application. Because precincts require 3 to 5 business days for review, we recommend completing this step at least 4 weeks before your event date.

At least 6 weeks before your event

Submit your application and all supporting documentation through the Licensing Board’s online portal. We will submit it to the State on your behalf. 

After You Apply

Your license requires approval from both the Licensing Board and the state before the Board can issue it. 

The Licensing Board will review your complete application and vote on it. After the Board votes to approve your license, we’ll send it to ABCC.

Once your license is approved, you’ll get instructions for paying your fee online.

We’ll email you the license after you’ve paid your fees.



 

After Approval

  • Display your license: Print and post your issued license in a prominent, visible location at your event bar or entrance. Ensure your event organizer has the license readily available for inspection. 
  • Keep documents on-site: Have a copy of your approved Security Plan and Insurance certificate handy for City or Police inspectors.  
  • Follow state laws: Adhere to standard Massachusetts liquor laws (M.G.L. c. 138). Complying with state and city rules helps ensure smooth approvals for any future event permits.

Cancellations

If your event is canceled after your license is issued, you must notify the Licensing Board by email before your event date to request a refund.

Related Resources

Special One Day Alcohol License Apply for a one-day license to serve beer, wine, or all alcohol at your event. For-profit and nonprofit events follow slightly different rules. Licensing Board Alcoholic Beverage Retail License Get a license to sell alcoholic beverages at your business. Required for restaurants, bars, clubs, and package stores. Licensing Board How the Licensing Board Reviews Applications Learn what happens when the Licensing Board reviews your application. Licensing Board
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