Entertainment Licensing
We license and regulate entertainment activities in Boston.
LICENSING BOARD updates:
- For questions regarding Entertainment, please email MOCAL@boston.gov.
- Stay updated: Join the Small Business Conference call every Tuesday at 3 p.m. on Zoom.
- 2023 Entertainment License: Entertainment renewals for the 2023 license will occur during the month of November. Please obtain valid Inspection Certificates, Place of Assembly permits, and your 2022/2021 Annual Report. They are required for the renewal application.
View all COVID-19 advisories
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 -
Office hoursMonday 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.
2023 Renewals
Inspection Certificates:
If your licensed premise has any seats, the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) is requiring all licensees to get a valid Inspection Certificate. Invoices are mailed and emailed for the building permits two months before the expiration date.
Who to contact at ISD:
If you need an invoice or to schedule an inspection, please contact your building inspector. There is a list online of all the inspectors' contact information, including phone and email. You may refer to this document as well for the most updated information. The best time to schedule an appointment for inspection is at 1010 Mass. Avenue (5th floor) at 8 - 9 a.m. and 3 - 4 p.m. when the inspectors are in the office.
Please note: To completely submit your renewal application, you will be required to submit an application on the below application links and also submit payment online. Please VERIFY the total amounts before submitting the payment as we have seen issues with some browsers and licensees have overpaid for a license. Have questions? Contact entertainment@boston.gov
| License Type (Click for instructions) | Renewal Period | Online Renewal Form | Contact Email |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entertainment 2023 |
November 1, 2022 -December 12, 2022 (Late fee: $50/month) |
Entertainment@boston.gov | |
| Common Victualler (No Alcohol) 2023 | October 1, 2022 - October 31, 2022 (Late fee: Double current bill) | RenewCV@boston.gov | |
| Lodging House 2022-2023 |
April 1, 2022 - April 30, 2022 (Late fee: $10/month) |
RenewLodging@boston.gov | |
| Pool/Billiard 2023 |
October 1, 2022 - November 30, 2022 (Late fee: $10/month) |
RenewAlcohol@boston.gov | |
| Alcoholic Beverages §12 2023 |
November 1, 2022 - November 30, 2022 (Cannot be late per Mass General Law) |
RenewAlcohol@boston.gov | |
| Package Stores §15 2023 |
November 1, 2022 - November 30, 2022 (Cannot be late per Mass General Law) |
RenewAlcohol@boston.gov | |
| Innholder (No alcohol) 2023 |
April 1, 2022 - April 30, 2022 (Late fee: $10/month) |
RenewAlcohol@boston.gov | |
| BYOB 2023 |
October 1, 2022 - October 30, 2022 (Late fee: Double current bill) |
RenewAlcohol@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.
Special outdoor 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, 2002 (Hearing)
