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Prepare to Serve Food and Drink

A flow chart that shows the process of opening a restaurant in Boston. The chart includes steps for Get Ready, Choose Location, Construct and Renovate, Prepare to Serve Food, Entertainment, Open, and Renewals.

Get the permits and certifications every restaurant in Boston needs to open, including the Common Victualler License and Food Service Permit.

Get a Common Victualler License

Contact: Licensing Board

Timeline: 2-6 weeks for processing, longer if you need a Board hearing.

The Common Victualler License (CV) is a food service license that lets you operate a restaurant or food service establishment in Boston. “Victualler” is an old word for a food seller.

You must get this license before you can open to the public or receive a food permit from Inspectional Services (ISD). 

Apply online, or at the Licensing Board in City Hall. Renew every year by the end of October. 

How to Get a Common Victualler License

Check Your Address's Licensing History

Common Victualler licenses, and alcohol licenses, are tied to a brick-and-mortar address, not just a business. Check your building's permit history.

If your address doesn’t already have a Common Victualler License, you’ll need to attend a public hearing. Contact your neighborhood liaison to schedule a meeting to let others in the neighborhood know about your plans. If your business address already has a Licensing Board-approved food establishment, you may not have to hold a hearing.

Businesses that don't need a CV license

You don’t need a CV if you’re opening one of these kinds of food businesses:

  • Mobile carts and buses
  • Food trucks
  • Bakeries with no seating
  • Convenience stores with no seating, or where the amount of money made from prepared foods isn't more than 10 percent of the annual revenue

Get a Food Service Permit

Contact: Inspectional Services

Timeline: Several months for plan review and inspections.

You need to apply for a permit and pass an inspection before you can serve food to the public. We inspect food service businesses at least once a year, but usually twice per year.

If your restaurant is under construction, you can still start the process to get a food service permit. First we need to review your plans and then you can get the permit.

How to Get a Food Service Permit

Get a Liquor License

Contact: Licensing Board

Timeline: 8-12 weeks or longer, sometimes several months, depending on the availability of a license at your desired location.

If you plan to serve alcohol at your restaurant, you must get a liquor license from the Licensing Board.

Like the Common Victualler License, a liquor license is tied to a specific physical address.

The number of liquor licenses in Boston is set by state law. The Board can only issue a license when one is available. Availability changes as businesses open and close. The Board can hear your proposal at any time. If there isn’t a license available right now, they can hold your application active in case one becomes available.

How to Apply for a Liquor License

Get a Food Manager Certificate

Timeline: 5-12 hours

At least one person at your restaurant must be a certified food protection manager (CFPM). To get certified, you take a class and pass an accredited exam. In the class, you’ll learn about food safety risks and ways to prevent foodborne illnesses.

The food manager certificate is required for the food service permit application. Certificates are valid for five years.

The City doesn’t offer this training. It’s run by private companies.

How to Get Food Manager Certification

Get an Allergen Awareness Certificate

Timeline: 1-2 hours

Massachusetts law requires all food workers to take allergen awareness training. You and your staff will learn which allergens are most common, how to identify them, and how to handle food safely to prevent reactions.

The allergen awareness certificate is required for the food service permit application. Certificates are valid for five years.

The City doesn’t offer this training. It’s run by private companies.

How to Get an Allergen Awareness Certificate

Manage Your Trash

Manage Trash
Contact: Inspectional Services

You're responsible for keeping the area around your restaurant clean and safe. Two permits cover waste management for most restaurants.

Site Cleanliness License

This required license ensures that your waste doesn’t create public health hazards, like litter or rodent infestations.
Dumpster Placement Permit

You must have this permit to use a dumpster to collect your restaurant’s waste.

Next Steps

Once you've applied for food permits, you can consider guest entertainment licensing.

Entertainment and Guest Experience

Planning outdoor dining, live music, valet parking, or games? Learn which permits your restaurant needs and how to apply.
Renewals

Getting your permits and licenses is just the beginning. Know what to renew, how often, and which department to contact.
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