General On-Premises Alcohol License (bar / nightclub without a Common Victualler license): Boston restaurant guide
Licensing Board for the City of Boston + Massachusetts ABCC
What it is
The §12 license type for bars, nightclubs and venues that sell alcohol without the restaurant (Common Victualler) requirement. Same cap, hearing and ABCC approval as a restaurant license, but higher annual fees.
When a restaurant needs it
A bar with no kitchen or meals. (A bar that serves food usually takes the cheaper restaurant license with a CV instead.)
How to apply
Same Licensing Board alcohol application portal, Herald ad, abutter notices and hearing as a restaurant license; choose 'General On-Premises' as the license type.
Documents you’ll need
- ABCC Application for a New License (retail) + $200 receipt
- Entity documents and FEIN
- Lease/deed
- Floor plan
- Financing documentation
- Notarized CORI authorizations
- Manager of Record résumé and citizenship proof
- Affidavit of Notice to Abutters
- Liquor liability insurance
Good to know
Zoning treats a 'bar' use differently from a restaurant, and bars/nightclubs with 100+ occupants must staff state-trained crowd managers whenever open. Ask ISD Health whether your ice, garnish and bottle service needs a food establishment permit — Boston doesn't publish a bar-only rule.
Official source
Licensing Board — license fees (General On-Premises) · Boston — Alcoholic Beverage Retail License (license types)
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.