Who needs a common victualler license in Massachusetts?
Issued by Your city or town’s licensing authority (M.G.L. c. 140, section 2), at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.
Any place that cooks or serves food to be eaten on the premises, with seating, needs a common victualler license from the local licensing authority before opening, on top of the board of health permit. Most towns route the application past the building, fire, health and police departments and the treasurer first. A take-out-only counter with no seats usually does not need one; a liquor license always comes with one.
Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.
Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business
1Set up the business
2Register for tax
3Approve the space
4Get the permits for your kind of business
5Alcohol permits
6Before the first hire
Issued by Your city or town’s licensing authority (M.G.L. c. 140, section 2).
Sources and dates
M.G.L. c. 140, sections 2 to 9; municipal common victualler pages (Cambridge, Barnstable, Littleton, Andover, Gardner). Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.
Questions about opening here.
Yes. Any place that cooks or serves food to be eaten on the premises, with seating, needs a common victualler license from the local licensing authority before opening, on top of the board of health permit.
Yes. Any place that cooks or serves food to be eaten on the premises, with seating, needs a common victualler license from the local licensing authority before opening, on top of the board of health permit.
Yes. Any place that cooks or serves food to be eaten on the premises, with seating, needs a common victualler license from the local licensing authority before opening, on top of the board of health permit.
Yes. Any place that cooks or serves food to be eaten on the premises, with seating, needs a common victualler license from the local licensing authority before opening, on top of the board of health permit.
Yes. Any place that cooks or serves food to be eaten on the premises, with seating, needs a common victualler license from the local licensing authority before opening, on top of the board of health permit.
Yes. Any place that cooks or serves food to be eaten on the premises, with seating, needs a common victualler license from the local licensing authority before opening, on top of the board of health permit.
Yes. Any place that cooks or serves food to be eaten on the premises, with seating, needs a common victualler license from the local licensing authority before opening, on top of the board of health permit.
Yes. Any place that cooks or serves food to be eaten on the premises, with seating, needs a common victualler license from the local licensing authority before opening, on top of the board of health permit.
Yes. Any place that cooks or serves food to be eaten on the premises, with seating, needs a common victualler license from the local licensing authority before opening, on top of the board of health permit.
No. In Massachusetts it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Massachusetts it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Massachusetts it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Massachusetts it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Massachusetts it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Massachusetts it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Massachusetts it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Massachusetts it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Massachusetts it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Massachusetts it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
No. In Massachusetts it is listed for coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, pizza shops, bars, wine bars and 3 more.
Your city or town’s licensing authority (M.G.L. c. 140, section 2).
Step 4 of 6, get the permits for your kind of business. The steps before it: set up the business, register for tax and approve the space.
Who needs a common victualler license in Massachusetts? | DoorWorthy
