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Entertainment Licensing

We license and regulate entertainment activities in Boston. 

LICENSING DIVISION updates:
  • 2024 License Renewals will be mailed directly to the licensed premises at the end of October. If you do not receive a renewal, please email us at Entertainment@boston.gov for a copy.
  • Check out our new video on the One-Time Entertainment application process here.
  • Read the Advisory regarding the Closed Captioning Ordinance dated March 2, 2023, regarding licensed establishments that utilize public facing televisions.
  • For questions regarding Entertainment, please email MOCAL@boston.gov.

Consumer Affairs

If you need help with filing a consumer complaint or information on your consumer rights, contact the Consumer Affairs Office.

Licensing Board

If you would like to apply for a Common Victualler or Alcohol license, contact the Licensing Board.

Contact
  • 1 City Hall Square, Room 809
    Boston, MA 02201
  • icon-time
    Office hours
    Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • About Entertainment Licensing

    We license and regulate entertainment activities in Boston. We maintain safety and order in Boston's restaurants and nightclubs through the licensing and monitoring of entertainment activities. Find out more about our work.

  • Licensing Dataset

    View a list of our licensed premises:

    Licensing Dataset

Renewal

License Type (Click for instructions) Renewal Period Online Renewal Form Contact Email
Entertainment 2024

November 1, 2023- December 15, 2023  (Late fee: $50/month)

Entertainment Renewal Online Portal

(Renewal applications will be mailed to you at the end of October)

Entertainment@boston.gov
Common Victualler (No Alcohol) 2024 October 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023 (Late fee: Double current bill start November 1st)

Common Victualler (No Alcohol) online portal

RenewCV@boston.gov

BYOB 2024 October 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023 (Late fee: Double current bill start November 1st)

BYOB online portal

RenewAlcohol@boston.gov

Alcohol Beverages (§12) 2024 Nov. 1, 2023 - Nov. 31, 2023 (Cannot be late)

Alcohol Beverages (§12) online portal

(Renewal applications will be mailed to you at the end of October)

RenewAlcohol@boston.gov

Package Stores (§15) 2024 Nov. 1, 2023 - Nov. 31, 2023 (Cannot be late)

Package Store (§15) Online Portal 

(Renewal applications will be mailed to you at the end of October)

RenewAlcohol@boston.gov

Innholder (No Liquor) 2024 Nov. 1, 2023 - Nov. 31, 2023 (Late fee: $20/month)

Innholder (No Liquor) Online Portal

(Renewal applications will be mailed to you at the end of October)

RenewAlcohol@boston.gov

Pool/Billiards 2024 Nov. 1, 2023 - Nov. 31, 2023 (Late fee: $10/month)

Pool/Billiards 2024 Online Portal

(Renewal applications will be mailed to you at the end of October)

RenewAlcohol@boston.gov

Lodging House 2022-2023

April 1, 2022 - April 30, 2022  (Late fee: $10/month)

Lodging House renewal app 

RenewLodging@boston.gov
Lodging House 2023-2024

April 1, 2023 - April 30, 2023  (Late fee: $10/month)

Lodging House renewal app 

RenewLodging@boston.gov

Upcoming Hearing Dates

Upcoming Hearing Dates
  • February 15, 2024
  • February 15, 2024
  • March 7, 2024
  • March 21, 2024
  • April 4, 2024
  • April 18, 2024
  • May 2, 2024
  • May 16, 2024
  • June 6, 2024
  • June 27, 2024
Contact
  • 1 City Hall Square, Room 809
    Boston, MA 02201
  • icon-time
    Office hours
    Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • About Entertainment Licensing

    We license and regulate entertainment activities in Boston. We maintain safety and order in Boston's restaurants and nightclubs through the licensing and monitoring of entertainment activities. Find out more about our work.

  • Licensing Dataset

    View a list of our licensed premises:

    Licensing Dataset

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