Massachusetts Liquor License Types, Quotas & Costs (ABCC)

The kinds of liquor licenses Massachusetts issues, how quotas work, and typical costs by municipality.
Feb 6
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License Categories

  • §12 (on-premise): restaurants, taverns, clubs, hotels — all-alcohol or wine & malt.
  • §15 (off-premise): package stores.
  • Seasonal, farmer-series, and special one-day licenses.

Why Quotas Matter

Massachusetts caps licenses per municipality by population, so in cities like Boston an all-alcohol §12 license often trades privately at a premium — five to six figures — while wine & malt licenses are cheaper.

Typical Costs

Annual fees vary by town: roughly $1,000–$5,000 for on-premise all-alcohol; package store fees are similar. Private transfer prices are market-driven.

Keep Your License Safe

Server violations put licenses at risk — trained staff are your first defense. A $30 online certificate from Certification Experts documents that training.

Related: ABCC Application Steps

More Massachusetts Guides

How to Become a Bartender in Massachusetts · Do You Need a Bartending License in Massachusetts? · Alternative to TIPS Certification in Massachusetts · How Old to Bartend in Massachusetts? · How to Get a Massachusetts Liquor License · Massachusetts Alcohol Delivery for Drivers · What Time Can You Buy Alcohol in Massachusetts?

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