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Caterer Food Establishment Permit (ISD Health caterer category): Boston restaurant guide

Boston ISD — Health Division

What it is

Boston's food permit has a separate 'Caterer' category for businesses that prepare food for service at other locations. The state ABCC also requires a Board of Health food service permit before it will issue a caterer's alcohol license.

When a restaurant needs it

Off-site catering from your kitchen as a regular line of business.

How to apply

Select the Caterer category on the Food Establishment Permit application (or ask ISD Health to add it to an existing restaurant permit) and pass the inspection.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
Caterer: $325
Processing time
Issued with or added to the Food Service Permit
Renewal
Annual (January 1–December 31)
Who files
The food business owner applies.

Good to know

Alcohol at catered events is a separate state license (§12C); a restaurant's own §12 license covers only its licensed premises.

Official source

Boston — Food Service Permit (caterer fee)

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.