Common Victualler (CV) License: Boston restaurant guide

Licensing Board for the City of Boston

What it is

Boston's license to operate a restaurant or food service business at a fixed address. You must have it before ISD will issue your Food Service Permit.

When a restaurant needs it

Every sit-down restaurant, café, and takeout or delivery-only kitchen where food is prepared to order. Not needed for food trucks, carts, bakeries with no seating and no made-to-order food, or convenience stores where prepared food is 10% or less of revenue. Bars with no food use a General On-Premises alcohol license instead.

How to apply

Submit the CV application and documents through the Licensing Board's online (non-alcohol) application portal. If the address has never had a CV, or you want hours outside 6 a.m.–11 p.m., you must go through community engagement and a virtual public hearing.

Documents you’ll need

Completed Common Victualler application
Signed lease or deed in the business entity's exact name
Floor plan showing capacity, square footage, seating, egress, kitchen and storage
Personal Information Form for every owner, officer and manager
Wage Theft Prevention form
Stamped ISD-approved plans (if renovating)
Inspection Certificate + Place of Assembly Permit (if over 49 seats)
Business Entity Summary from the Secretary of the Commonwealth

Fee

Restaurant with seats: $100 base fee + $1 per seat (capacity fee capped at $500); takeout only: $100 + $110 takeout fee. Card payments add 2.75%.

Processing time

Estimated 2–3 weeks; if a hearing is needed, expect several weeks from submission to hearing depending on application volume and your community process

Renewal

Annually by October 31 (late renewal costs double)

Who files

The owner or an attorney may submit; only Board-approved officers or managers may sign renewals.

Good to know

The lease must be between your business entity and the landlord, with the exact business name and address, signed by both sides, and must not restrict the hours, seating or outdoor space you're applying for. Don't pay until staff ask you to.

Official source

Boston — Common Victualler License · Licensing Board — license fees

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