If you hold an alcoholic beverages retail license, you may find yourself in situations where you need to update details about your business, such as a change in hours or even a new name. The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) requires you to file notice of these changes. This guide will walk you through the process of submitting what you need to keep your license up to date with the ABCC.
- This page, Amending Your Alcoholic Beverages Retail License (ABCC), is offered by
- Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission
Amending Your Alcoholic Beverages Retail License (ABCC)
Table of Contents
Obtaining a Certificate of Compliance
After September 10 the following transactions will require a Certificate of Compliance issued by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance:
- Transfer of license
- Change of officers/directors/LLC manager
- Change of ownership
- Change of stock interest
- Change of corporate structure change of category
- Change of classification
- Change of corporate name
- Pledge of license
- Stock or inventory
- Management agreement, and
- Change of non-profit club officers and directors
Please see the guide for instructions on how to obtain a Department of Unemployment Assistance Certificate of Compliance (see Additional Resources).
Additional Resources for Obtaining a Certificate of Compliance
Making Multiple Amendments to Your Retail License
You are allowed to submit multiple changes to your alcoholic beverages retail license if you wish. To do this, you'll need to complete a monetary transmittal form and pay a processing fee of $200. In addition, you would file any other required paperwork that is specific to the particular change to your license that you request.
Key Actions for Making Multiple Amendments to Your Retail License
Additional Resources for Making Multiple Amendments to Your Retail License
Amending Your License Classification(s)
License Category
Changing your license category concerns noting what types of alcohol you sell (e.g., wines and malts vs. cordials vs. all alcohol).
License Class
Amendments toward your license class concern sales of alcohol products moving from a seasonal to an annual basis, or vice versa.
License Type
Changing your license type involves noting whether you are a restaurant that sells alcohol or a general business on premises.
Additional Resources for Amending Your License Classification(s)
Change of Manager
Follow these steps for changing the manager associated with your licensed business.
Key Actions for Change of Manager
Additional Resources for Change of Manager
Alteration of Premises or Location Change
File this amendment to your license if your business has a new address or you implemented a change in its physical structure (e.g., renovations).
Key Actions for Alteration of Premises or Location Change
Additional Resources for Alteration of Premises or Location Change
Pledge of Collateral (License, Stock, or Inventory)
If you need to notify the ABCC about a pledge of collateral, please follow these instructions.
Key Actions for Pledge of Collateral (License, Stock, or Inventory)
Additional Resources for Pledge of Collateral (License, Stock, or Inventory)
Change in Beneficial Interest
This procedures applies to changes in:
- Beneficial interest
- Directors or officers for not-for-profit clubs
Key Actions for Change in Beneficial Interest
Additional Resources for Change in Beneficial Interest
Change of Business Entity Information
Change of Corporate Name
As a licensee, you are required to notify the ABCC if you are changing the legal name of your business.
Change of DBA ("Doing Business As")
As a licensee, you are required to notify the ABCC if you are changing the DBA of your business.
Note: A change of DBA does not require an ABCC processing fee.
Change of Corporate Structure
If your business has a change in legal structure, follow these instructions.
Key Actions for Change of Business Entity Information
Additional Resources for Change of Business Entity Information
Change in Hours
Submit these forms if you are changing your business's hours of operation.
Note: A change of hours does not require an ABCC processing fee.
Key Actions for Change in Hours
Additional Resources for Change in Hours
Management Agreement Amendment
Submit this form if you are changing your business's management agreement.