Common Victualer License (Non-Alcoholic Restaurant)
Issued by: License Commission
Governed By: Massachusetts General Law ch. 140 sec. 2-9
Process Length: Approximately four to six weeks.
Fee: $125 hearing and advertising fee. The License fee is based on seating capacity and starts at $35
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:
completed Common Victualer License application form
Licensed Premises Inspection Approval form with a zoning sign-off from the Inspectional Services Department
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
a copy of the Articles of Organization if the applicant is a corporation, or a copy of the Business Certificate (or DBA) obtainable through the City Clerk’s Office
a menu
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 requirements along with a $125 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.
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