Raffle & Bazaar Permit applications are processed by the Cambridge License Commission. The permits are governed by Massachusetts General Law c. 271, § 7A and the Special Acts of 1969, c. 810. It takes approximately three to four weeks to process the application and issue the permit, if granted.
Definitions:
A Raffle is an arrangement for raising money by the sale of tickets, certain among which, as determined by chance after the sale, entitle the holders to prizes.
A Bazaar is place maintained by the sponsoring organization for disposal by means of chance of one or both of the following types of prizes: (1) merchandise, of any value, (2) cash awards, not to exceed $250 each.
Eligibility for a License:
Nonprofit organizations in existence for more than 2 years, that are either veterans' organizations chartered by Congress; church or religious organizations; fraternal or fraternal benefit societies; educational or charitable organizations; civic or service club organizations; or a club or organization operated exclusively for pleasure, recreation, and other nonprofit purposes, where no part of the net earnings inures to the benefit of any member or shareholder, may apply to conduct a raffle or a bazaar.
How to Start
Step 1:
The applicant must complete the Raffle and Bazaar Permit application, sign a form stating that funds will not be misused, fill out state lottery papers and submit the application to the Cambridge Police Headquarters for sign off.
Step 2:
At least two weeks prior to the event, submit the application to the License Commission.
Step 3:
The License Commission will process the application and contact the applicant once the internal processing is finalized. The applicant must pay the fee and pick up the permit.
Requirements
Fee: $10 license fee for one day, and a $60 fee for an annual license.