How to Get a Retail alcohol License in Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC), with the local licensing authority

Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC), with the local licensing authority

You’ll need approval from two organizations before you can legally sell alcohol: the Boston Licensing Board (BLB) and the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC).

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.boston.gov/permitting/permits/alcoholic-beverage-retail-license

You’ll need approval from two organizations before you can legally sell alcohol: the Boston Licensing Board (BLB) and the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC).

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

On-premises licenses cover drinking at the establishment; off-premises licenses cover purchases taken away.

On-premises licenses cover drinking at the establishment; off-premises licenses cover purchases taken away.

Alcoholic beverages licenses come in two types: on-premises, for businesses where customers drink at your establishment, and off-premises, for businesses where customers take their purchases home.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

The state ABCC processing fee is separate from local licensing and hearing fees; confirm the local charges with the licensing authority.

The state ABCC processing fee is separate from local licensing and hearing fees; confirm the local charges with the licensing authority.

State Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) application processing fee: $200 Boston Licensing Board hearing fee: $100

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

$200

200

State Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) application processing fee: $200, paid directly to the ABCC online before submitting your application to the Licensing Board.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Apply in November for annual renewal, or the month before the next seasonal period for seasonal renewal. Pay the fee and keep the same license type and premises.

Licenses issued under section twelve or fifteen shall be automatically renewed for the next annual license period upon application by the holder thereof during the month of November and shall be automatically renewed for a renewal of a seasonal license for the next seasonal licensing period upon application during the month prior to the commencement of the seasonal period upon payment of the fee, provided that said license is of the same type as the expiring license and covers the same licensed premises. Applies to: Section 12 on-premises and section 15 off-premises licenses meeting the same-type and same-premises conditions

Licenses issued under section twelve or fifteen shall be automatically renewed for the next annual license period upon application by the holder thereof during the month of November and shall be automatically renewed for a renewal of a seasonal license for the next seasonal licensing period upon application during the month prior to the commencement of the seasonal period upon payment of the fee, provided that said license is of the same type as the expiring license and covers the same licensed premises.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

off-premises applicants must be at least 21.

Section 15 off-premises applicants must be at least 21.

Such applicant shall be at least twenty-one years of age and of good character in the city or town in which he seeks a license hereunder.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

on-premises issuance and renewal require liquor legal liability insurance of at least $250,000 for injury or death of one person and $500,000 for one accident injuring or killing more than one person.

Section 12 on-premises issuance and renewal require liquor legal liability insurance of at least $250,000 for injury or death of one person and $500,000 for one accident injuring or killing more than one person.

No license shall be issued or renewed under this section until the applicant or licensee provides proof of coverage under a liquor legal liability insurance policy for bodily injury or death for a minimum amount of $250,000 on account of injury to or death of 1 person, and $500,000 on account of any 1 accident resulting in injury to or death of more than 1 person.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026