City Licensing Information and Guidance

last updated: 3/24/2021

COVID-19 Small Business grant program

The City established the COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program to assist in stabilizing existing small businesses within Framingham that have had significant business disruption due to the impact of the pandemic. Framingham’s small businesses are encouraged to apply. Send an email to communitydevelopment@framinghamma.gov for more information.

alcohol server training

All individuals who serve alcohol to the public or view identification cards to determine age must successfully complete a classroom* alcoholic beverage server training program approved by the Framingham Police Department and Licensing Bureau. See FAQs for providers. *Online server training will be accepted 60 days past the Governor's State of Emergency.

All individuals who serve alcohol to the public or view identification cards to determine age must successfully complete a classroom* alcoholic beverage server training program approved by the Framingham Police Department and Licensing Bureau. See FAQs for providers.

Alcoholic beverages control commission (abcc) notifications

• March 19, 2021: ABCC Advisory Regarding The Opening Of Large Capacity Venues (PDF)
  
• March 5, 2021: ABCC Advisory Regarding Musical Performances at Licensed Establishments (PDF)
  
• February 26, 2021: ABCC Advisory Regarding The Lifting Of The 40% Cap on Seating Capacity (PDF)
• February 5, 2021: ABCC Advisory Regarding Increasing Retailer’s Capacity to Forty Percent (PDF)
  
• January 22, 2021: ABCC Advisory Regarding the Governor’s COVID-19 Order No. 62 (PDF)
  
• January 7, 2021: ABCC Advisory Extending Period Restricting Retail Licensees to 25% Capacity Limit (PDF)
• December 24, 2020: ABCC Updated Advisory Restricting Retail Licensees to 25% Capacity Limit (PDF)
• December 22, 2020: ABCC Advisory Restricting Retail Licensee to 25% Capacity Limit (PDF)
• December 9, 2020:ABCC Advisory Regarding the Rollback of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to Phase 3, Step 1, of the Reopening Plan (PDF)
  
• November 6, 2020: ABCC Advisory-Updated Advisory Regarding Mandatory Closing Period for Retail Alcohol Licensees & Easing of Certain Annual Renewal Requirements (PDF)
  
• November 2, 2020: ABCC Advisory Regarding Mandatory Closing Period for Retail Alcohol Licensees & Easing of Certain Annual Renewal Requirements (PDF)
  
• September 22, 2020: ABCC Advisory Regarding Updated Sector Specific Workplace Safety Standards for Restaurants to Address COVID-19 (PDF)(NOTE:Joint Mayor-BOH Order (PDF) Limits Seating to six (6) people)
• August 10, 2020: ABCC Advisory Regarding Food Service and Gatherings for Licensees Selling Alcohol for On-Premises Consumption (PDF)
• July 21, 2020: ABCC Advisory Regarding On-Premises Licensees Selling Mixed Drinks for Off-Premises Consumption (PDF)
• June 19, 2020: ABCC Advisory Regarding Indoor Service at On-Premises Consumption Licensees (PDF)
• June 19, 2020:ABCC Advisory Granting Credit Extension Request (PDF)
• June 7, 2020:ABCC Advisory Regarding Restaurants Commencing Outdoor Table Service of Alcohol (PDF)
• June 1, 2020:ABCC Advisory Regarding LLA Approval of Outdoor Seating (PDF)
  
• April 3, 2020:ABCC Advisory Regarding On-Premises Licensees Selling for Off-Premises Consumption (PDF)
  On-premises liquor licensees may sell beer and wine (up to 192 ounces of malt beverages and 1.5 liters of wine) for off-premises consumption only as part of a transaction for the purchase of food during this emergency.
  

Temporary RESTAURANT outdoor seating applicATION

To enable restaurants to reopen as quickly as possible when Governor Baker allows it under Phase II of his reopening plan, the City has made a temporary outdoor seating application. There will be no fee for the temporary outdoor seating application. Term of approved plan expires 60 days past Governor's state of emergency. 

The quick application allows owners to lay out how they propose to offer food and beverages outside in a manner to meet health and safety requirements. Eating establishments must possess an existing “pouring license” to serve alcoholic beverages outdoors. The application can be found here.

To assist restaurants in reopening, the City has created an easy-to-follow application process guide (PDF).

If you have additional questions, please email Diane Willoughby for more information.

CHANGES ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

• COVID-19 Order No. 55 Revised Order Requiring Face Coverings in Public Places (PDF)
• COVID-19 Order No. 54 Revised Order Further Regulating Gatherings In the Commonwealth (PDF)
• COVID-19 Order No. 53 Order Requiring Early Closing For Certain Businesses and Activities, Limiting Hours for Alcohol And Adult Use Cannabis Sales, and Modifying Chapter 138 License Renewal Requirements (PDF)
  
• SENATE BILL SD.2944 An Act to Address Challenges Faced by Restaurants and Other Establishments due to COVID-19