License Commission Skip to Footer Official websites use .gov .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS lock ) or means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Permitting and Licensing System (OpenGov) The License Commission issues licenses/permits, and enforces regulations/laws for service/sale of alcohol, operation of restaurants, lodging, entertainment, auto sales, hackney drivers/vehicles, parking lots, leaf blowers, and more. Pole & Conduit Permit Regulates the installation and maintenance of electrical poles and underground conduits for City property. Hackney The License Commission regulates the operation of hackney (taxi) drivers and vehicles that can be hired directly from a taxi stand or hailed on the street. OpenGov Log-In Rules and Regulations Document Library Meeting Minutes and Audio Library Leaf Blower Permit Fee Schedules Noise Ordinance Outdoor Dining Policy The Cambridge License Commission is responsible for issuing licenses/permits and enforcing rules, regulations, local ordinances and state laws that regulate the service and sale of alcoholic beverages, operation of restaurants, hotels and lodging houses, indoor and outdoor entertainment, hackney drivers and vehicles, parking lots and garages, flammables, peddlers, fortune tellers, second hand goods stores, letting and sale of motor vehicles, commercial leaf blower operators and one day licenses for alcohol and/or entertainment. The Department also manages the Pole and Conduit Commission , the Consumers' Council , and enforces the Noise Control Ordinance Our goal is to ensure all licensed or permitted businesses operate in a manner that protects the public safety and serves the common good. We strive to provide professional and streamlined services, as well as excellent customer service. Our Inspectors and Hackney Officers conduct inspections to ensure proper operating practices and hold disciplinary hearings when appropriate to ensure accountability. We foster partnerships with licensees, residents, neighborhood organizations and policymakers to encourage successful endeavors. The License Commission is a three-person board comprised of the License Commission Chair, the Cambridge Fire Chief, and the Cambridge Police Commissioner. The Pole and Conduit Commission is comprised of the License Commission Chair, the City of Cambridge Superintendent of Streets, and the City Electrician. Pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025 adopted by Massachusetts General Court and approved by the Governor, all meetings of the Board of License Commissioners and Pole and Conduit Commission are held remotely via Zoom. Public webinar links are created and posted so the public can access the meetings. Full audio recordings of the meetings and meeting minutes (once approved) are posted on the Meeting Minutes and Audio Library webpage Applications to the Board of License Commissioners and Pole & Conduit Commission can be submitted through the City of Cambridge Permitting, Licensing, and Renewal System Updates Summary of Provisions of Leaf Blower Ordinance and Regulations Notice of Board Vote 2026 - General On Premises License Fees Effective 202 Notice of Board Vote 2026 - Alteration of Premises to Remove Outdoor Areas Notice of Board vote - Common Victualler License Fees Notice of Board Vote: Applications to Change License Type ABCC Advisory Regarding Food and Beverages Containing Hemp Derived CBD and/or THC on Licensed Premises DPH Notice of Prohibited Hemp Derived CBD and THC Foods and Beverages Notice of Board Vote: Alteration of Premises to Include or Expand Outdoor Areas Notice of Board Vote 2026 - One Day Amendments for FIFA World Cup 2026 Additional Resources Patio Floor Plan Check List [PDF] Apply for a Small Cell Installation Contacts PHONE: 617-349-6140 Email Us 831 Massachusetts Ave., 1st Floor Cambridge, MA 02139 Coming Up Apr 24 Fri Board of License Commissioners’ Public Meeting 10:00 AM Friday, April 24, 2026 May 19 Tue Board of License Commissioners’ Public Meeting 10:00 AM Tuesday, May 19, 2026 May 21 Thu Pole and Conduit Commission Public Meeting 9:00 AM Thursday, May 21, 2026 View All Tips and FAQs What happens at General Public Hearings? The Cambridge License Commission holds General Public Hearings at least twice monthly. General Public Hearings can include: Hearings for license violations; Hearings for businesses that are petitioning for a license; Permits for one-day licenses and administrative matters. Search our Public Calendar for License Commission hearings. Agenda will be posted no later than 48 hours prior to a hearing. Scheduled items are tentative prior to posting of an official Agenda or Hearing Notice. Refer to the posted Agenda for a full list of scheduled items. Please check the agenda for the time and location of particular meetings. Please note: All One-Day Applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the date of the event. How can I Testify? Public comments can be made at the discretion of the Chair. We accept testimonies based on the type of hearing: At the discretion of the Chair, anyone can testify at a business petition hearing, whether in favor of or against the application. You can also testify to raise questions or concerns. There are several ways to give us your testimony: In person at the hearing Via email to license@cambridgema.gov By mail to: Cambridge License Commission 831 Massachusetts Avenue, 1st Floor Cambridge, MA 02139 How can we help? Please provide as much detail below as possible so City staff can respond to your inquiry: Description: Name: Email: As a governmental entity, the Massachusetts Public Records Law applies to records made or received by the City. Any information received through use of this site is subject to the same provisions as information provided on paper. Read our complete privacy statement Service Requests Enter a service request via SeeClickFix for things like missed trash pickups, potholes, etc., click here Close