Liquor Licenses

How to obtain a Liquor License?

All Liquor License Forms and Applications are found ONLINE ONLY at the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC) website
All ABCC transaction fees must be paid online. Please print your confirmation page and include it in your application packet when submitting it to the Licensing Department. 

In addition to the ABCC application, be prepared to submit the following along with your application:

The License Commission meets the second Monday of every month. 
All applications must be submitted 20 days prior to have their Public Hearing placed on the agenda. After a Public Hearing, the application will be sent to ABCC by the Local Licensing Authority (LLA). The ABCC has the final approval. Upon approval, the LLA will issue a License. The process can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. 

At this time there are no off-premise licenses available. Call the Licensing Office to inquire about available licenses or for any other questions at 413-642-9302.


Alteration of Premise for patio/outdoor service

The temporary patio/outdoor expansion advisory expired on April 1, 2024. ABCC approval is no longer required for amendments to add outdoor alcoholic beverage table service areas, all applications go before the Local Licensing Authority. To apply for an alteration of outside premise, please complete an Alteration of Premise Application and return to the Licensing Department, room 217. 

GUIDELINES FOR OUTDOOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE SERVICE AREAS 
1. The licensure of outdoor alcoholic beverage service areas that are outside of the “suitable building” as provided in M.G.L. c. 138, §1, must follow the license application and approval process as provided in Chapter 138 for retail on-premises consumption licenses. 
2. Local Licensing Authorities (“LLAs”) have discretion to apply reasonable conditions to the outdoor alcoholic beverage service areas, such as the requirement of food service and/or seated service. 
3. All applications for outdoor alcoholic beverage service areas must include documentation demonstrating the right of the Licensee to occupy or permission to use the outdoor alcoholic beverage service area(s). This must include permission to transport alcoholic beverages over public property, if applicable, such as over public sidewalks. 
4. Outdoor alcoholic beverage service areas should be contiguous to the licensed building premises with a clear and direct view of the outdoor area from inside the licensed building premises. Further, the Licensee must actively supervise the outside alcoholic beverage service area. 
5. Outdoor alcoholic beverage service areas that are noncontiguous to the premises’ building are permitted. However, they must be in the immediate vicinity of, and within clear and direct view of, the existing licensed building premises. Licensees are reminded that their applications may be denied if, in the LLA’s or ABCC’s discretion, it is determined that any proposed noncontiguous outdoor alcoholic beverage service area is in an unsuitable location, such as being too far from the premises’ building or being in an unsafe location. For noncontiguous outdoor alcoholic beverage service areas, the licensee must have an adequate number of employees that are physically present in the outdoor alcoholic beverage service area at all times when alcoholic beverages are being sold or consumed. 
6. All outdoor alcoholic beverage service areas must be enclosed by a barrier, fence, or partition, sufficient for the licensee to maintain control of access to the area and to provide a safe environment for patrons. 

*The LLA will consider the type of neighborhood and the potential impact of noise to the environment before approving outdoor alcoholic beverage service areas.


Renewals

Renewal packets for 2025 will go out at the beginning of September. All renewal packets will be EMAILED to the email address on file with the ABCC and City of Westfield, unless otherwise requested. Remember: ALL renewals must be signed after November 1, 2024!