How to get an annual live entertainment license

You must get an entertainment license for certain activities or events. You'll need to apply for a license if:

• You have a Common Victualler or Alcohol license and are hosting a public show.
• You're hosting a public show and you plan to charge an admission fee.
• You're hosting a free public show, but patrons need to pay for certain activities with coins, like an arcade.

Public shows are concerts, dance exhibitions, cabarets, and other events that include:

• dancing, whether by performers or patrons
• recorded or live music
• an amplification system
• a theatrical play or a film screening
• a floor show or light show, or
• any other audio or visual show.

You can get more detailed information about regulations from this City booklet.

Before you apply, you also need to make sure to pay any outstanding bills with the City.

Print out and complete the application for a live entertainment license. Live entertainment is considered entertainment with live performance. This includes instrumental and vocal music, karaoke, a disc jockey, dancing, and theater shows.

Depending on which application you are applying for, you may need to include the following documents:

• an Inspection Certificate
• a Certificate of Use and Occupancy showing you’re zoned for live entertainment
• a Place of Assembly Permit if your location capacity can fit more than 50 people
• a Business Certificate (which is also known as a "doing business as" or "d/b/a" certificate)
• your current Alcohol license or Common Victualler License
• Articles of Organization of the Corporation, and
• your floor plan, deed or lease.

The application fee depends on the size and type of entertainment you will be having. To get an idea of what it costs to apply, you can view a list of common fees. We take certified checks, business checks, money orders, credit cards (no American Express), or debit cards.

Email the complete application to MOCAL@boston.gov. 

We will let you know about your application in three to four weeks. You may be subject to a hearing if you are applying for live entertainment.

The fee for a hearing is $100, and you need to pay it before the date of the hearing. The manager of record or a corporate officer must be present at the hearing.

If you have an annual live entertainment license and want to make a change to it, you need to file an amendment. Changes to a license include:

• an increase in capacity*
• a change in the type of entertainment
• the adding or removal of entertainment
• a change of manager*
• a change of your corporate name or officers*
• a change in hours or in your business name, or*
• other changes that affect your license.*

Please note: If your business has a new owner, you will need to file a new application. Entertainment licenses are non-transferrable. 

*The Licensing Board must approve your amendments. These changes also must be amended on your Common Victualler or Alcohol Beverage license before your Entertainment license amendments may be approved.

Print out and complete the general application to amend your license. Make sure to give us a description of the change and the reason for it.

There are also some more forms you need to fill out if they apply to your situation:

• If the manager of your business has changed, you need to complete the Change of Manager form. You need to include a current copy of your Alcohol or Common Victualler license with this change, and you may be subject to a hearing for this change. 
• If the corporate officers of your business have changed, please complete the Change of Corporate Officers form.
• If the name of your business has changed, you need to complete the Change of Name or D/B/A form. You will need to include your updated Business Certificate.

To change your license, the application fee is $35 per change. If you are changing the entertainment categories or capacity, you may be subject to additional fees. We take certified checks, business checks, money orders, credit cards, or debit cards.

Email the application to MOCAL@boston.gov.

We will let you know about your application in three to four weeks. We may also schedule a hearing with you after getting your application.

The fee for a hearing is $100, and you need to pay it before the date of the hearing.