The Somerville Licensing Commission is responsible for issuing the following licenses:
The Commission develops rules and regulations pertaining to these licenses. The Commission also hears complaints about its licensees, whether they are submitted by public safety officials, elected officials, or the general public. Complaints can address alleged violations of the Commission’s rules and regulations, the City’s ordinances, or State laws. Complaints are investigated, and if warranted, addressed in a public hearing in which anyone can testify. If a licensee is found to be in violation, sanctions are levied that may include limitations on the licensee’s operating hours or some other aspect of the business, suspension of the license, or revocation of the license.
The Licensing Commission consists of three members who are appointed by the Mayor. A police officer is assigned as the Commission’s investigator, and the Fire Department and the Inspectional Services Department each conduct inspections as warranted. Finally, the City Clerk’s Office provides the Commission with staff support.
Alcohol license applications can be made through our CitizenServe Portal.
| Liquor License Area Locations | All Forms (Total Available) |
Wine & Malt (Total Available) |
| Citywide | 7 | 3 |
| Assembly Square District* | 6 | 6 |
| Enhancement Area | 5 | 3 |
| Transformative Area | 2 | 1 |
| Package Store | 0 | 0 |
*Assembly Square licenses can either be All Forms or Wine & Malt Chapter 142, Acts of 2016
Last Updated 1/5/2019
All licensees are required to understand and comply with these rules and regulations
Schedule of fees from the Somerville Licensing Commission
Use this form to file a complaint with the Licensing Commission about any suspected violation of the Commission’s rules and regulations, local ordinances, or state laws by any businesses licensed by the Commission. Just complete the form below and return it as follows:
Email it to: [email protected], or
Mail it to: Licensing Commission
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143.
Please submit website feedback using this form. Be sure to include:
Thank you for your feedback!
