How to get a special one-day alcohol license

You need to get a license to serve alcohol at an event. There are different rules depending on whether the event is for-profit or for a nonprofit.

Please note: If you were unable to join us for our one-day liquor license open house, you can watch it online.

You need to give us your application at least three weeks before the event. We must have the original application with original signatures. The Board will vote on your application.

Since you are holding a for-profit event, you can only apply for a malt and wine license. Malt and Wine licenses are $75 per day. You can pay with cash, a check, or a credit or debit card when you pick up your license.

You must buy the alcohol from an approved seller. You can't buy it from a package store. You can only use donated alcohol if you have a Special One-Day Charity Wine Auction or Charity Wine Pouring License.

The state's website has more information about the rules on special one-day licenses.

Complete and print out this application for a one-day license. You must have it signed by the police captain in the area where you are holding the event.

Indoor Event:

• A copy of a valid Certificate of Inspection from Inspectional Services will be required.
• A Fire Assembly Permit will be required for spaces with a capacity of 49 persons and over.
• Permission from the Owner or Landlord of the space will be required. They may sign the "Manager" portion of the Special One Day application.

Outdoor Event:

• Site Plan or Floor Plan (should indicate area where alcohol service and consumption will occur, egresses, etc. )
• Security and Operations Plan
• Liquor Liability
• Other documents may be required depending on the details of the event

Please email the Special One Day application with sign off from the Police Captain and other documents to Alyssa.Tobin@boston.gov (CC: LicensingBoard@boston.gov). Email is preferred and the best method for a quick review and turnaround.

You may also mail or bring your completed application and documents to:

1 City Hall Square, Room 809

Boston, MA 02201

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Upon submission, a Licensing staff person will reply to your email confirming the receipt.

Please note: Licenses may not be issued until the Board has voted. Once voted, an email will be sent with the option to pay online via credit card, debit card, or check. After you make your payment, we will email you the license.

If you would like to pay in cash, we will issue you an invoice which you must bring to City Hall Window M-8. After you make the payment, you may visit room 809 and we can print a copy of the license for you.

You need to give us your application at least three weeks before the event. We must have the original application with original signatures. The Board will vote on your application.

As a nonprofit, you can apply for any type of alcohol license. You may need to show us proof that you’re a nonprofit. If you’re holding a nonprofit event, you may need to give us more information on your plans for the event.

The fee for an All-Alcoholic beverage license is $150 per day. Malt and Wine licenses are $75 per day. You can pay with cash, a check, or a credit or debit card when you pick up your license.

You must buy the alcohol from an approved seller. You can't buy it from a package store. You can only use donated alcohol if you have a Special One-Day Charity Wine Auction or Charity Wine Pouring License.

The state's website has more information about the rules on special one-day licenses.

Complete and print out this application for a one-day license. You must have it signed by the police captain in the area where you are holding the event.

Indoor Event:

• A copy of a valid Certificate of Inspection from Inspectional Services will be required.
• A Fire Assembly Permit will be required for spaces with a capacity of 49 persons and over.
• Permission from the Owner or Landlord of the space will be required. They may sign the "Manager" portion of the Special One Day application.

Outdoor Event:

• Site Plan or Floor Plan (should indicate area where alcohol service and consumption will occur, egresses, etc. )
• Security and Operations Plan
• Liquor Liability
• Other documents may be required depending on the details of the event

Please email the Special One Day application with sign off from the Police Captain and other documents to Alyssa.Tobin@boston.gov (CC: LicensingBoard@boston.gov). Email is preferred and the best method for a quick review and turnaround.

You may also mail or bring your completed application and documents to:

1 City Hall Square, Room 809

Boston, MA 02201

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Upon submission, a Licensing staff person will reply to your email confirming the receipt.

Please note: Licenses may not be issued until the Board has voted. Once voted, an email will be sent with the option to pay online via credit card, debit card, or check. After you make your payment, we will email you the license.

If you would like to pay in cash, we will issue you an invoice which you must bring to City Hall Window M-8. After you make the payment, you may visit room 809 and we can print a copy of the license for you.