Cambridge License Commission

Issued by: License Commission

Governed By: Massachusetts General Law ch. 140 sec. 2-9

Process Length: Approximately four to six weeks.

Fee: $175 hearing and advertising fee. The License fee is based on seating capacity and starts at $45.50

Process:

Step 1:

The applicant should obtain and complete the Common Victualer License application and the Licensed Premises Inspection Approval form.

The application to the License Commission must include:

1. completed Common Victualer License application form
2. Licensed Premises Inspection Approval form with a zoning sign-off from the Inspectional Services Department
3. a floor plan designating street and number, entrances and exits, the type of establishment, and a seating arrangement on an 8.5” x 11” paper
4. a copy of the Articles of Organization if the applicant is a corporation, or a copy of the Business Certificate (DBA) obtainable through the City Clerk’s Office
5. a menu
6. a signed lease or a letter of intent from the landlord

Step 2:

The applicant must submit the Licensed Premises Inspection Approval form and a copy of a floor plan to the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) for their zoning approval.

Step 3:

The applicant will then submit all required documents along with a $175 hearing and newspaper advertising fee. The License Commission will schedule a hearing on the second or fourth Tuesday of the month, which the applicant must attend. The License Commission will then send a decision letter to the applicant, with instructions for fulfilling any outstanding requirements.

Step 4:

The applicant will then take the Licensed Premises Inspection Approval form to ISD for approval from their building and health inspectors. A current Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Inspection will be accepted in lieu of sign-offs.

Step 5:

The Fire Department will automatically inspect the site based on the License Commission hearing agenda.