There are two major categories for annual alcohol
licenses: retail on-premise consumption (G. L. c. 138, § 12) and retail
off-premise consumption (G. L. c. 138, § 15). Annual alcohol licenses
have to be approved first by the Board of License Commissioners and then by
the State's Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. Therefore, the
process for a new or transfer of an alcohol license can take a minimum of eight
weeks.
Types of On-Premise Consumption
Alcohol Licenses:
All Alcohol Beverages with Common Victualler
General
on Premise All Alcohol Beverages
Malt
Beverages with Common Victualler
General
on Premise Malt Beverages
Malt
and Wine Beverages with Common Victualler
General on Premise Malt and Wine Beverages
Malt,
Wine and Liqueurs with Common Victualler
General
on Premise Malt, Wine and Liqueurs
Types of Off-Premise Consumption Alcohol Licenses:
All
Alcohol Beverages
Malt
& Wine Beverages
Any individual or any corporation, LLC or partnership
which meets the statutory criteria set forth in G. L. c. 138 may apply for an
annual liquor license. License
applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be granted if all
statutory, state, local and legal requirements are met.
NOTE: All applications for a new or transfer of a liquor
license must also be filed online with City of Cambridge and on paper with the State Alcohol Beverages Control Commission. Two copies of the the ABCC retail application must be submitted to the City of Cambridge License Commission and we will forward it to the state if approved by the board. Please visit
the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) Website to
complete the application and for additional information. If seeking an Entertainment
License, you should do so simultaneously with the Alcohol License to be heard
during the same public hearing. Please email
License@cambridgema.gov or contact
us at 617-349-6140 to obtain additional forms and instructions on how to file.
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