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.
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) | ||
BYOB 2024 | October 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023 (Late fee: Double current bill start November 1st) | ||
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) |
|
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) |
|
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) |
|
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) |
|
Lodging House 2022-2023 |
April 1, 2022 - April 30, 2022 (Late fee: $10/month) |
RenewLodging@boston.gov | |
Lodging House 2023-2024 |
April 1, 2023 - April 30, 2023 (Late fee: $10/month) |
RenewLodging@boston.gov |
Licensing help
We process new applications and renewals, inspect premises, and hold licensing hearings.
We have information to help businesses that play music for the public.
Get a new license, make a renewal, or change an existing license.
Get a new license, make a renewal, or change an existing license.
You need a license to host an event with carnival games or rides.
You need a license to host a one-time event like a carnival or festival.
To run a dance school in the City, you need to have a license.
You need a license to sell products or collect money for charity.
The City does not require permits for street performers in public areas.
A list of common license fees for various events.
Outdoor Special Event Help
Forms and applications
FormsHearing videos and materials
- January 11, 2022
- January 24, 2022
- January 31, 2022
- February 14, 2022
- March 2, 2022 (Fenway Concerts)
- Concert Documents (ex. Security, Transportation Management, Communications, Traffic Enforcement, etc.)
- March 4, 2022 (Applications)
- March 10, 2022 (Violations)
- May 19, 2022 (Hearing)
- June 16, 2022 (Hearing)
- June 27, 2022 (Hearing)
- August 22, 2022 (Hearing)
- September 8, 2022 (Hearings)
- September 8, 2022 (Hearings)
- September 15, 2022 (Hearing)
- September 19, 2022 (Hearing)
- October 3, 2022 (Hearing)
- October 18, 2022 (Hearing)
- November 3, 2022
- November 7 2022 (Hearing)
- November 9, 2022 (Hearing)
- November 14, 2022 (Hearing)
- December 8, 2022 (Hearing)
- January 9, 2023
- January 23, 2023
- March 2, 2023
- March 6, 2023
- April 6, 2023
- April 10, 2023
- April 10, 2023 - April 21, 2023 - Fenway Concerts for 2023 Open Comment Period
- May 4, 2023
- May 18, 2023
- May 25, 2023
- June 7, 2023
- July 18, 2023
- July 20, 2023
- October 5, 2023
Upcoming Hearing Dates
Upcoming Hearing Dates- September 12 (Violation)
- September 14 (Application)
- October 3 (Violation)
- October 5 (Application)
- October 24 (Violation)
- October 26 (Application)
- November 14 (Violation)
- November 16 (Application)
- December 12 (Violation)
- December 14 (Application)