Cambridge License Commission

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One Day Entertainment License

Issued by: License Commission

Governed By: Massachusetts General Law ch. ch. 140 sec. 183 & Cambridge Regulations.

Process Length: Usually within the same day.

Fee: $40/day; Cash (only) payment must be made at the Treasurer’s Office, checks are accepted at our office.

Process for events at Harvard, MIT, & Lesley College

Step 1:

The police departments of Harvard University, MIT, and Lesley college distribute the Party Request/Event Registration forms. The applicant should obtain and complete this form, and submit it to the respective college police department for approval. In completing the form, the applicant must provide the following details of the event:

  1. date
  2. start and end time
  3. number of people expected to attend
  4. type of event
  5. name of person in charge
  6. his/her contact information
  7. types of entertainment to be provided

Step 2:

The Dean’s Office must approve the event and sign-off on the Party Request/Event Registration form. Each college has different approval requirements. Please have these finalized and signed before bringing the application form to the License Commission Office

Step 3:

The applicant will then bring the completed and signed form to the License Commission office. The applicant must then pay the required fee. The License Commission will conduct a site visit during the event.

Process for events held on non-college premises

Step 1:

The applicant must obtain a Letter of Permission from an authorized representative of the event premise.

Step 2:

The applicant will then submit the Letter of Permission to the License Commission at least three business days before the event. The letter must contain the following details of the event:

  1. date
  2. start and end time
  3. number of people expected to attend
  4. type of event
  5. name of person in charge
  6. his/her contact information
  7. types of entertainment to be provided

Step 3:

An Event Information Index Card will then be completed by the License Commission.

Step 4:

The applicant must then submit the Event Information Index Card to the Police Department for their approval and sign-off.

Step 5:

Once the applicant has met all requirements, the license will be issued. The applicant must then pay the required fee. The License Commission will conduct a site visit during the event.

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