Annual Entertainment License
There are two types of annual entertainment license: a Live Entertainment License and a Non-Live Entertainment License. The type you need depends on what kind of entertainment you plan to host.
A Live Entertainment License covers events with live performers. This includes:
- Bands and singers
- Disc jockeys (DJs)
- Karaoke hosts
- Trivia
- Dancers
- Theater shows
A Non-Live Entertainment License covers recorded or electronic entertainment. This includes:
- Piped-in music, radio, or audio devices
- Jukeboxes
- Televisions and monitors
- Dart boards, ping pong tables, and other non-live activities
For one-time events, you need the one-time live entertainment license instead.
These licenses are issued by Entertainment Licensing, part of the Mayor’s Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing (MOCAL). Contact us at MOCAL@boston.gov or 617-635-4165 before you apply if you’re not sure which license type applies to your business.
Who Can Apply
Any person or business can apply for an annual entertainment license. Most applicants are restaurants, bars, nightclubs, hotels, function halls, or other venues that host regular entertainment.
Most businesses seeking an Annual Entertainment License already hold one of these licenses:
You can start preparing your entertainment application while your food or alcohol licenses are pending, but we cannot issue your final entertainment license until those are fully approved.
Who must manage the license?
The Manager of Record listed on your entertainment license should be the exact same person named on your Common Victualler or Alcohol license.
- If the manager is the same: You do not need extra paperwork.
- If the manager is different: You must submit a copy of your signed Management Agreement along with your application or tell us why the managers cannot match.
Before You Apply
Before you submit your application, make sure you have no outstanding bills with the City of Boston.
Check Zoning
Check your space’s Certificate of Use and Occupancy or Certificate of Inspection to ensure it is zoned for live entertainment.
- If your certificate lists live entertainment or nightclub: You are ready to apply! Keep a copy of your certificate handy to upload with your application.
- If your certificate does not list live entertainment: We can't issue you an annual live entertainment license without live entertainment zoning. Check your zoning status and contact the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) or the Zoning Board of Appeal before you apply. Resolving zoning issues first helps you avoid delays. If you need to host events while your zoning is still being resolved, you can apply for a one-time live entertainment license for each event instead.
Required Documents
Entertainment Licensing may ask for more documents after reviewing your application.
- Completed application form. Make sure to download and fill out the correct form for your license type (there are separate forms for Live and Non-Live licenses). If you want to apply for both, fill out only the Live application and we’ll process the Non-Live categories first.
- Valid Inspection Certificate
- If premise is approved for beer, wine, and/or alcohol license
- OR if capacity is over 49
- A copy of your active Business Certificate (also known as a "Doing Business As" certificate)
- A copy of your active Common Victualler license or Alcohol Beverage Retail license
- Articles of Organization
If your venue can hold 49 or more people, you also need:
- Inspection Certificate with “live entertainment” or “nightclub” listed under the occupancy
- Certificate of Use and Occupancy showing your location is zoned for live entertainment
- A copy of the deed or lease
- A copy of your floor plan
Fees
- Application fee: $35
- Hearing fee: $100 (hearing required for live entertainment and for non-live entertainment outside or on a patio)
How to Pay
Entertainment Licensing accepts certified checks, business checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards. We do not accept American Express.
Your fee depends on your license type and, for live entertainment, on your venue’s capacity. Entertainment fees are subject to change.
| Fee Type | Description | Fee | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live I | Bands or singers with three or fewer performers | $400 | Any capacity |
| Live II | Bands or singers with more than three performers; events with patron dancing, a DJ, or karaoke | $800 | 251 - 500 people |
| $1000 | 251 - 500 people | ||
| $1,200 | 501 - 1,000 people | ||
| $1,600 | 1,001 - 2,000 people | ||
| $2,000 | More than 2,000 people | ||
| Live III | Includes Live I or Live II entertainment combines with a floor show or other live performance | $1,200 | Up to 250 people |
| $1,400 | 251 - 500 people | ||
| $1,600 | 501 - 1,000 people | ||
| $2,000 | 1,001 - 2,000 people | ||
| $2,400 | More than 2,000 people |
Your total non-live fee is made up of a base fee (based on your standard audio and TV setup) plus individual add-on Fees for specific games or devices.
| Free Type | Description | Fee | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Live I | Audio devices (ex. speakers, radio, etc...) | $80 | Any capacity |
| Non-Live II | Includes Non-Live I entertainment plus a jukebox and up to five televisions | $120 | Any capacity |
| Non-Live III | Includes Non-Live II entertainment plus more than five televisions | $180 | Any capacity |
Add-on non-live fees (charged separately, not included in Non-Live I/II/III):
- Widescreen TVs larger than 27 inches or projectors: $180 each
- DVD or VCR player: $180 each
- Ping pong table: $50 each
- Movie picture screen (movie theater): $500 each
- Board games or trivia: $50 flat fee
A Real-World Example
If you run a sports bar with background music, a jukebox, 5 small TVs, and 2 widescreen TVs larger than 27 inches:
- Application Fee: $35
- Your Base Fee (Tier II) = $120
- Your Add-on Fees (2 widescreen TVs at $180 each) = $360
- Your Total Yearly Fee = $515
For all license types:
- Application fee: $35
- Hearing fee: $100 (if a hearing is required)
- Amendment fee: $35 per change
How to Apply
Download the application for your license type. Live and non-live applications are separate forms.
For Live Entertainment License only. If you are applying for a Non-Live license, you can skip this step, unless you are requesting entertainment outside (for example, speakers or music on a patio).
Because live entertainment or outdoor entertainment can impact the surrounding neighborhood, the City of Boston requires you to consult with ONS. You may need to discuss your plans with your community before we can approve your license.
Before or on the same day you submit your application, contact your Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) Liaison. Your liaison will tell you exactly which local neighborhood meetings you may need to attend, and which neighbors you must notify.
Collect all required documents listed in the Required Documents section. Make sure your Inspection Certificate and Place of Assembly Permit are current and valid, if those apply to your situation.
Email your completed application and all documents to MOCAL@boston.gov. You can also drop off your application in person at City Hall, Room 809, but email is faster.
Pay any outstanding bills with the City before you apply. Entertainment Licensing will not process applications from businesses with outstanding balances.
We’ll send you an email invoice for the fees due. (Fees are based on the type of entertainment you’re offering and your capacity.)
After You Apply
Entertainment Licensing will confirm receipt of your application by email.
What to Expect at the Hearing
If your application requires a public hearing, the manager of record, an attorney, or a representative from the business must attend. Entertainment Licensing will notify you of the hearing date and time. Hearings are typically scheduled four to six weeks after you file your application.
The hearing fee is $100, due before the hearing date. We will send you an invoice for the amount due. Hearings are typically held at 2 p.m. via Zoom.
If you applied for a Non-Live Entertainment License, you won’t need to attend a hearing. You may need to attend a hearing if you are applying for outdoor non-live or live entertainment.
If you applied for a Live Entertainment License and don’t yet hold a Non-Live Entertainment License, Entertainment Licensing may process the non-live portion of your application while your live entertainment hearing is pending. This means your non-live entertainment can be approved and operational before your live entertainment hearing takes place.
After Approval
Once your fees are paid, we’ll email you to let you know when your license is ready. Pick up your license in person at City Hall, Room 809. The Licensing Board does not mail or email licenses.
Your license is valid through December 31 of the calendar year listed on it. Hang it in a clear and visible spot at your business. Boston Police and other City staff may ask to see it.
Entertainment licenses do not transfer to new owners. If your business changes ownership, the new owner must apply for a new entertainment license.
Changes to Your License
To make changes to your license after it’s issued, file an amendment with Entertainment Licensing. Visit the Entertainment Licensing’s forms and applications page for current requirements and forms.
Changes include:
- Adding or removing entertainment types
- Increasing or decreasing capacity
- Changing your hours or business name
- Changing the manager of record
- Changing corporate name or officers
- Changing the business entity or doing business as (DBA), not an ownership change
For some changes, the Licensing Board must update your Common Victualler or Alcohol Beverage Retail license before Entertainment Licensing can process your entertainment license amendment. This applies to changes in your manager, corporate officers, capacity, or hours. Start with the Licensing Board first for these changes.
Renewals
You must renew your license annually.
Renew your entertainment license by the end of November. Entertainment Licensing will mail your renewal package to your business address at the end of October. If you do not receive your package by the first week of November, email Entertainment@boston.gov. Licenses expire December 31.
Submit your renewal application online. The renewal application fee is $35.
Late renewals may result in your license being suspended or revoked. The late fee is $50 per month.
