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How to get an annual live entertainment license

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You can get a new license, change an existing license, or renew your existing license.

Step
1

Review the regulations

You must get an entertainment license for certain activities or events. You'll need to apply for a license if:

  • You have a Common Victualler or Alcohol license and are hosting a public show.
  • You're hosting a public show and you plan to charge an admission fee.
  • You're hosting a free public show, but patrons need to pay for certain activities with coins, like an arcade.

Public shows are concerts, dance exhibitions, cabarets, and other events that include:

  • dancing, whether by performers or patrons
  • recorded or live music
  • an amplification system
  • a theatrical play or a film screening
  • a floor show or light show, or
  • any other audio or visual show.

You can get more detailed information about regulations from this City booklet.

Before you apply, you also need to make sure to pay any outstanding bills with the City.

Step
2

Get your application together

Print out and complete the application for a live entertainment license. Live entertainment is considered entertainment with live performance. This includes instrumental and vocal music, karaoke, a disc jockey, dancing, and theater shows.

Depending on which application you are applying for, you may need to include the following documents:

The application fee depends on the size and type of entertainment you will be having. To get an idea of what it costs to apply, you can view a list of common fees. We take certified checks, business checks, money orders, credit cards (no American Express), or debit cards.

Step
3

Give us your application

Email the complete application to MOCAL@boston.gov

Step
4

Wait for our response

We will let you know about your application in three to four weeks. You may be subject to a hearing if you are applying for live entertainment.

The fee for a hearing is $100, and you need to pay it before the date of the hearing. The manager of record or a corporate officer must be present at the hearing.

Step
1

Before you get started

If you have an annual live entertainment license and want to make a change to it, you need to file an amendment. Changes to a license include:

  • an increase in capacity*
  • a change in the type of entertainment
  • the adding or removal of entertainment
  • a change of manager*
  • a change of your corporate name or officers*
  • a change in hours or in your business name, or*
  • other changes that affect your license.*

Please note: If your business has a new owner, you will need to file a new application. Entertainment licenses are non-transferrable. 

*The Licensing Board must approve your amendments. These changes also must be amended on your Common Victualler or Alcohol Beverage license before your Entertainment license amendments may be approved.

Step
2

Get your application together

Print out and complete the general application to amend your license. Make sure to give us a description of the change and the reason for it.

There are also some more forms you need to fill out if they apply to your situation:

To change your license, the application fee is $35 per change. If you are changing the entertainment categories or capacity, you may be subject to additional fees. We take certified checks, business checks, money orders, credit cards, or debit cards.

Step
3

Give us your application

Email the application to MOCAL@boston.gov.

Step
4

Wait for our response

We will let you know about your application in three to four weeks. We may also schedule a hearing with you after getting your application.

The fee for a hearing is $100, and you need to pay it before the date of the hearing. 

Keep in mind

  • Entertainment licenses are non-transferrable. If you are a new owner, you will need to apply for a new annual non-live or live entertainment license.
  • Entertainment fees are subject to change.
  • Renewals occur in November. Renewal applications will be mailed out and licensees will be required to submit the renewal applications online.
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