Liquor License Commission

Black's Law Dictionary defines a "license" as a permit, granted by an appropriate governmental body, generally for a consideration, to a person, firm, or corporation to pursue some occupation or to carry on some business subject to regulation, under the police power. Liquor licenses and permits are revocable privileges granted by the authority of the Commonwealth. Any licensee who violates M.G.L. Chapter 138 or any regulation promulgated by the Commission or the local licensing authority may be stripped of their privilege of holding a license, after a hearing. 

Yes. The ABCC is the sole issuing authority for licenses to manufacturers (distillers, wineries, and breweries), wholesalers and importers, railroads, airlines, ships and ship chandlers. It is the sole issuing authority of liquor transportation permits for express or trucking companies, ships, railroads, caterers, airlines and liquor retailers. It also issues permits to salespersons employed by wholesalers, and importers, brokers, farmer-wineries, and farmer-breweries. 

The local licensing authority in the city or town where the business is located after the completion of a 3-step process. Step one: the local licensing authority grants a restaurant or pack store license; Step two: the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) approves the granting of such a license. Following this approval by the ABCC, Step three: the local licensing authority may issue the license upon payment of the licensing fee. 

Under the Liquor Control Act (General Laws, Chapter 138), local licensing authorities may grant three classifications of retail licenses: 

1. Licenses under Section 12 (On-Premises), commonly referred to as a "Pouring License";
2. Licenses under Section 14 (Special), commonly referred to as a "One-Day License"; and
3. Licenses under Section 15 (Off-Premises) commonly referred to as a "Package Store License". 

1. All Alcohol
2. Wine Only
3. Malt Only
4. Wine and Malt