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The Cambridge License Commission is responsible for issuing licenses/permits and enforcing rules, regulations, local ordinances and state laws that regulate the service and sale of alcoholic beverages, operation of restaurants, hotels and lodging houses, indoor and outdoor entertainment, hackney drivers and vehicles, parking lots and garages, flammables, peddlers, fortune tellers, second hand goods stores, letting and sale of motor vehicles, commercial leaf blower operators and one day licenses for alcohol and/or entertainment. The Department also manages the Pole and Conduit Commission, the Consumers' Council, and enforces the Noise Control Ordinance.
Our goal is to ensure all licensed or permitted businesses operate in a manner that protects the public safety and serves the common good. We strive to provide professional and streamlined services, as well as excellent customer service. Our Inspectors and Hackney Officers conduct inspections to ensure proper operating practices and hold disciplinary hearings when appropriate to ensure accountability. We foster partnerships with licensees, residents, neighborhood organizations and policymakers to encourage successful endeavors.
The License Commission is a three-person board comprised of the License Commission Chair, the Cambridge Fire Chief, and the Cambridge Police Commissioner. The Pole and Conduit Commission is comprised of the License Commission Chair, the City of Cambridge Superintendent of Streets, and the City Electrician.
Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025 adopted by Massachusetts General Court and approved by the Governor, all meetings of the Board of License Commissioners and Pole and Conduit Commission are held remotely via Zoom. Public webinar links are created and posted so the public can access the meetings. Full audio recordings of the meetings and meeting minutes (once approved) are posted on the Meeting Minutes and Audio Library webpage.
Applications to the Board of License Commissioners and Pole & Conduit Commission can be submitted through the City of Cambridge Permitting, Licensing, and Renewal System.
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Monday, August 11, 2025
The Cambridge License Commission holds General Public Hearings at least twice monthly.
General Public Hearings can include:
Search our Public Calendar for License Commission hearings. Agenda will be posted no later than 48 hours prior to a hearing.
Scheduled items are tentative prior to posting of an official Agenda or Hearing Notice. Refer to the posted Agenda for a full list of scheduled items.
Please check the agenda for the time and location of particular meetings.
Please note: All One-Day Applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the date of the event.
Cambridge License Commission
831 Massachusetts Avenue, 1st Floor
Cambridge, MA 02139
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