Special One-Day Alcohol License
Apply at least three weeks before your event. You can apply for one license to cover a single day event or an event that covers multiple days. If you’re pouring donated wine at a nonprofit fundraiser, use the One-Day Charity Wine Pouring License Application instead.
Questions? Contact the Licensing Board. We’re happy to answer any questions and walk you through the process step-by-step.
Who Can Apply
You can apply for this license if you're planning a one-day event that will serve alcohol, for example, a fundraiser, a beer garden, or a concert.
The applicant must be an individual person, not a business or organization. You may apply for a license on behalf of an organization. If your license is approved, you’re personally responsible for it.
You don’t need a One-Day Alcohol License if your event is entirely closed to the public and there’s no money changing hands for alcohol.
Before You Apply
What you can apply for depends on your event:
- For profit events. If you’re running a for-profit event, you can apply for a Malt and Wine license only. That means you can serve beer, hard cider, and malt-based seltzers, along with wine and champagne.
- Non-profit events. If you’re representing a registered nonprofit, you can apply for any license type, including All Alcohol. You’ll need to show proof of your nonprofit status, like a 501(c)(3) determination letter.
Get Your Application Signed
You must get your application signed by the Police District Captain for your precinct before the Licensing Board will accept it. This can take 3 to 5 business days, so plan to start it at least 4 weeks before your event.
Where to Buy Alcohol
Under Massachusetts state law (M.G.L. c. 138), you must purchase all alcohol served at your event from a state-licensed wholesaler or manufacturer.
- Allowed: Purchases from licensed wholesalers or local breweries, wineries, or distilleries licensed to distribute.
- Not allowed: Buying from retail liquor stores (package stores) or accepting donated alcohol in most cases. For more information about accepting donated alcohol at a one-day event, contact the Licensing Board.
Exception for charity fundraisers: You may accept donated alcohol if the event is hosted by a registered charity and the event is a fundraising event for that charity.
An individual applicant can hold up to 30 days of one-day licenses total per calendar year.
You can’t apply for this license if your venue already holds an annual alcoholic beverages license, or if an on-premises license application for your venue is pending with the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC).
Required Documents
Gather these before you start your application.
We might need to see other documents depending on the details of the event.
- Application form. Special One-Day Alcohol License application form downloaded and signed by the applicant.
- Police sign-off. Signature from the Boston Police District Captain for your neighborhood.
- Venue authorization. A letter or agreement from the property owner or manager giving permission to serve alcohol on that date.
- Security and operations plan. A short document detailing:
- Where alcohol will be served,
- Who’s checking IDs, and
- How you’ll prevent underage drinking (wristbands, stamps, or refusing entry, for example).
- Liquor liability insurance. Proof of insurance naming the applicant and the event location address.
- Indoor events. A valid Certificate of Inspection from the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) and a valid Place of Assembly Permit if capacity is 49 or more.
- Outdoor events. A site or floor plan showing where alcohol will be served and consumed, your exits, and the boundaries of your space.
- Events on public property or streets. Permit or written approval from the agency that manages the space you have permission to use the space and serve alcohol there. For example, an event in a public park may need a permit from the Parks Department.
- Nonprofit applicants. Your 501(c)(3) determination letter.
Fees
- A Malt and Wine license costs $75 per day.
- An All-Alcoholic Beverages license costs $150 per day.
How to Pay
Online payments are the fastest and easiest way to pay Licensing Board fees. Once you’ve paid, we’ll email the license to you.
- Online: You can pay online by credit card, debit card, or check. We will send you instructions and a payment link via email.
- By mail: Check payable to “City of Boston” (include your license name and number in the memo).
- In person: Cash, by appointment only at window M-8 at City Hall, or with a credit card or check in person in room 809.
There is a 2.75% fee for credit and debit card transactions. There is no fee for electronic check payments. Returned payments are charged a $25 fee in addition to the license fee.
How to Apply
Our application process is hybrid. Download the PDF form, obtain a physical signature from your local police precinct, and then submit everything through our online portal.
At least 6 weeks before your event
Download and complete the Special One-Day Alcohol License application.
Before moving to the next step, make sure you have the required supporting documents ready based on your venue type (see the Required Documents list).
At least 3 to 4 weeks before your event
Before you can submit your application to the Licensing Board, you must get it signed by the Police District Captain where the event takes place.
- Find your local precinct by entering your event address on the My Neighborhood Tool and clicking the Public Safety icon.
- Drop off your application at that precinct’s front desk. Some precincts can provide a digital signature over email. Get in touch with your precinct to find out their preferred process.
- Plan for 3 to 5 business days for the Captain to review and sign your form. Precinct staff will call or email you when it is ready to pick up.
The Licensing Board requires this signed physical form before accepting your online application. Because precincts require 3 to 5 business days for review, we recommend completing this step at least 4 weeks before your event date.
At least 3 weeks before your event
Submit your application and all supporting documentation through the Licensing Board’s online portal.
Submitting at least 3 weeks in advance ensures our Board has time to review and vote on your application before your event. If you send your application after this deadline, we may deny it, or add conditions to your license.
After You Apply
The Licensing Board will review your complete application and vote on it.
Once the Board votes to approve your license, you’ll get instructions for paying your fee online.
We’ll email you the license after you’ve paid your fees.
After Approval
- Display your license: Print and post your issued license in a prominent, visible location at your event bar or entrance. Ensure your event organizer has the license readily available for inspection.
- Keep documents on-site: Have a copy of your approved Security Plan and Insurance certificate handy for City or Police inspectors.
- Follow state laws: Adhere to standard Massachusetts liquor laws (M.G.L. c. 138). Complying with state and city rules helps ensure smooth approvals for any future event permits.
Cancellations
If your event is canceled after your license is issued, you must notify the Licensing Board by email before your event date to request a refund.
