License Commission

Overview

The License Commission is an advisory, regulatory and adjudicatory multiple-member body charged with the issuance, oversight and administration of licenses in the City of Northampton for the service and sale of alcoholic beverages, operation of restaurants, hotels, inns and lodging houses, indoor and outdoor entertainment for licensed and non-licensed premises, automatic amusement devices, car dealers (Class I, II & III) and short term or one-day liquor licenses. The License Commission is the local licensing authority with all powers to grant, suspend, or revoke licenses and permits as provided in MGL Ch. 138 and all other licenses not otherwise provided by law.

Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC)

The ABCC is an agency under the Massachusetts State Treasury with an overall objective to provide uniform control over the sale, transportation, possession, purchasing, and manufacturing of alcoholic beverages in the Commonwealth. The ABCC works with companies in the alcoholic beverage industry and local licensing authorities to provide licenses, enforce legislation and regulations, and resolve license issues.

SCAM WARNING: Some applicants have received official-looking scam invoices with the Northampton watermark via email requesting fee payment through wire transfer with this request: "Please reply to this email for wire transfer instructions." THIS IS A SCAM. DO NOT reply to these emails and do NOT pay the invoices. All City permits, through the License Commission, are paid through the OpenGov permitting portal OR by checks made out to the City of Northampton. WE DO NOT TAKE WIRE TRANSFERS.