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Massachusetts Business License Checklist for Restaurants, Bars and Shops

Use this checklist to plan the licenses and permits a new or acquired Massachusetts business may need. Requirements vary by city and town, so confirm each item with your local clerk, licensing board, building department and board of health. For liquor questions, see our liquor license FAQ.

1. Set Up the Business

  • Form the entity that will own the business and hold its licenses, and register with the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
  • File a business certificate (DBA) with the city or town clerk if you will operate under a name other than the legal entity name.
  • Obtain a federal EIN and register with the Department of Revenue for sales, meals and withholding taxes.
  • Obtain a certificate of good standing and tax compliance. Licensing authorities may not issue or renew licenses to businesses with unpaid local taxes or state tax delinquencies.

2. Secure the Location

  • Before signing a lease or purchase agreement, confirm with the zoning office that the use is allowed and whether a special permit, variance or change of use is required.
  • Make the lease or purchase contingent on obtaining the necessary licenses and permits.
  • For alcohol, check whether the premises are within 500 feet of a school or church.
  • Confirm parking, signage and outdoor seating rules.

3. Building, Fire and Health Approvals

  • Building permits for renovations and a certificate of occupancy for the intended use and occupancy load.
  • Fire department inspection and sign-off, including occupancy limits, sprinklers and alarms where required.
  • Board of health food establishment permit, plan review for kitchens, and certified food protection manager and allergen awareness training for food businesses.
  • Board of health tobacco or nicotine sales permit, if applicable.

4. Operating Licenses

  • Common victualler license to serve food for on-premises consumption.
  • Entertainment license for live or recorded music, dancing, televisions or performances, plus a Sunday entertainment license if operating on Sundays.
  • Liquor license for on-premises or package sales, with a qualified manager of record, alcohol server training if required locally, and liquor liability insurance.
  • Other specialty licenses as applicable, such as motor vehicle dealer, second-hand dealer, lodging house, fortune telling, or cannabis licenses.

5. Liquor License Application Package

  • ABCC and local application forms, including disclosure of all owners, officers, directors and people with a financial interest.
  • Proof of the right to occupy the premises, such as a lease or deed.
  • Floor plan identifying the licensed area, entrances, exits and storage.
  • Source of funds documentation and any financing or pledge documents.
  • Manager application, background information and proof of age and residency status.
  • Corporate or LLC documents, votes authorizing the application, and business certificate.
  • Public notice and abutter notice, if required, and attendance at the licensing hearing.

6. Buying an Existing Business

  • Review the seller’s licenses, conditions, renewals and disciplinary history with each licensing authority.
  • Condition the purchase on approval of the license transfer, the new manager and any change in premises.
  • Hold the purchase price in escrow until approvals are granted and tax and lien issues are cleared.
  • Confirm that equipment leases, the premises lease and vendor accounts can be assigned.

7. After Opening

  • Post licenses where required and keep copies of all approvals and conditions.
  • Calendar renewal deadlines, including November renewals for annual liquor licenses and local renewals for common victualler and entertainment licenses.
  • Get approval before changing managers, owners, officers, hours, premises or the type of entertainment.
  • Train staff on ID checks, intoxication, occupancy limits and incident reporting.
  • If you receive a notice of violation or hearing, contact counsel immediately. Appeal deadlines can be as short as five days.

Opening a business, buying a license, or facing a licensing hearing? Contact Muggeo & Associates or call (978) 741-1177. Our Salem office represents business owners before licensing boards across the North Shore and Massachusetts.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Licensing rules, fees, quotas and local procedures vary by city and town and change over time. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes. Last reviewed November 2026.