Common Victualler License

Every food service establishment in the City of Boston with capabilities for cooking, preparing and serving food is required to have a Common Victualler License.

Law

A Common Victualler License is issued under Mass General Laws Chapter 140 Section 2
Read the Law »

To Apply for a New Common Victualler License

  1. Speak with the local Neighborhood Association and the City Councillor for the area/neighborhood.

  2. File the completed application along with an 8 ½ x 11 floor plan, with the Licensing Board. If the applicant is not also the manager, complete a Licensee/Manager Personal information form for both. (Please print clearly)

  3. Appear at the Licensing Board hearing on the scheduled date and time.

  4. A current Building Inspection Certificate and a copy of the lease are required to pick up the license. (The lease must be in the applicant’s name). (An Inspection Certificate may be obtained from 1010 Mass. Avenue. It is a white paper with a gold seal). Inspection Certificates are not required for take-out only licenses.

  5. If you have outdoor seating you must submit a check for $170.00 made payable to the Boston Herald for the advertising fee.

  6. Annual fees are as follows: $100.00 primary fee plus $1.00 per seat or Take-Out Only is $210.00 per year.

  7. Outdoor seating must be advertised in the Boston Herald for a fee of $170.00. You must also notify your abutters of outdoor seating plans. If the outdoor seating is on a public way you also need to obtain a permit from the Department of Public Works in City Hall, Room 714.

To Apply for an Existing Common Victualler License

  1. As long as there are no changes, (ie hours or capacity) no hearing is required.

  2. File the completed application for review by the Board. If the applicant and the manager are not the same, complete a Licensee/Manager personal information form for each.

  3. A current Building Inspection Certificate and a copy of the lease are required to pick up the license. (The lease must be in the applicant’s name). (An Inspection Certificate may be obtained from 1010 Mass. Avenue. It is a white paper with a gold seal)

  4. Annual fees are as follows: $100.00 primary fee plus $1.00 per seat or Take-Out Only is $210.00 per year.

  5. All Licenses require annual renewals to be filed and paid by the end of November to remain active and in good standing.

Application