Frequently Asked Questions

If your event is open to the public, so that any individual walking off the street can attend, whether you are charging a fee for the alcohol or not, you need a short term liquor license. If your event is private and invitation only, you do not need a short term liquor license. If you are unsure whether or not you need one, please call the License Commission office to inquire. To apply, please complete an application. 

You can apply for a short-term liquor license by submitting an application electronically via the new online permitting portal. You can access this portal here. The application must be submitted COMPLETELY with TIPS certifications for the proposed servers and a certificate of insurance proving liquor liability for the event with a per occurrence amount of no less than $250,000. 

Please review the short term liquor license page for information on all of the requirements.

Yes. On December 5, 2019, an order to accept M.G.L. Ch. 138 §12 permitting cordials and liqueurs was signed by the City Council. This acceptance allows wine and malt license holders to also sell cordials and liqueurs, subject to approval of the Local Licensing Authority and the ABCC.

Yes, any changes to your licensed premises, including outdoor seating, requires you to file an application for an alteration of premises, which must be approved by both the Northampton License Commission and the ABCC. Until you receive approval from both commissions, you can not commence alcohol service outside. If you are proposing to place tables and chairs on public ways, you must apply to the Department of Public Works for an outdoor tables and chairs permit.

Any establishment where food is sold the the premises contains kitchen and dining room equipment and the capacity for preparing, cooking and serving food, is required to have a common victualler license. Licenses are issued on an annual basis for a cost of $50.00. The common victualler application is found online and is required to be submitted with the supplemental documents. Applications must be submitted at least one week prior to the next scheduled License Commission meeting.