Common Victualler License — Boston
A Common Victualler License is the core operating license for a Boston restaurant and must be obtained before the food permit.
What it is. The Common Victualler (CV) License — the license that lets you operate a restaurant/food service establishment in Boston. It is required before you open to the public or receive a food permit from ISD.
Who issues it. City of Boston — Licensing Board (City layer).
When you need it. Before opening. If the address doesn't already have a CV license, a public hearing is required.
How to apply. Apply online or at the Licensing Board with the CV application, signed lease, and Personal Information Forms for owners/officers.
Fees. Annual fee $100 + $1 per seat (takeout-only: $210) — see source (⟢ VERIFY).
Renewal. Annual — renew by the end of October.
What SpoonSeal tracks. The document(s) you upload for this requirement, with automatic renewal/expiration tracking (Current, Due Soon, Expired). Where the city publishes health-inspection results (e.g., NYC and Chicago), SpoonSeal syncs them automatically; elsewhere they can be added manually.
References
- City of Boston, How to Get a Common Victualler License — https://www.boston.gov/departments/licensing-board/how-get-common-victualler-license — Official source last checked: 2026-07-02
Stay ahead of this requirement
SpoonSeal stores your documents, tracks expirations, and reminds you before anything lapses — so you are always inspection-ready.
Get started free →This guide is informational and not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the official agency linked above.