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1. What is an Alcoholic Beverage License and who needs one?

An alcoholic beverage license is required for establishments handling alcoholic beverages, including retail pouring or package sales. Any business that sells, stores, distributes, serves or delivers alcohol must have an alcoholic beverage license.

2. Who oversees alcoholic beverage licensing?

Most alcoholic beverage licenses must be approved by both the Randolph Licensing Board and the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). The local licensing board ultimately issues licenses for restaurants and package stores (retail licenses), while ABCC has sole issuing authority for manufacturers, wholesalers, import/exporters, and caterers.

3. How do I get an alcoholic beverage license?

The application process varies for each type of license. A limited number of licenses are issued by the Town - check for availability before applying. You are strongly encouraged to consult the Licensing Board Clerk to determine which forms and processes to complete. State fees are payable to the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) with the application. Once the license is approved locally, a license fee must also be paid to the Town. For example, applicants for a new retail alcoholic beverage license follow this process:

1. Application and public hearing: Complete the appropriate online application on ABCC's website, print and sign it, and submit the fee. Then submit this application to the local Licensing Board, which will post it as an agenda item for a public hearing. You will need to be present at the hearing.
2. Local and state review: The Licensing Board will review your application and, if approved, forward it to the ABCC. Once approved by the ABCC, the Licensing Board will issue the alcoholic beverage license upon your submission of the licensing fee.

4. What is the time frame for a decision for an alcoholic beverage license?

Please contact the Licensing Board for the scheduling of Liquor Licensing meetings. Once approved locally, the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) can take four to six weeks to approve an application.

5. What are the final steps for obtaining an alcoholic beverage license?

Your permit must be renewed annually in December. Any changes to the license, including transferring it, appointing a new manager, or altering the premises, require a new application and review. If you stop operating the business, you must give up your license. If you plan to temporarily suspend your business operations, you must provide at least 10 days' notice to the Licensing Board.

6. How do I get the abutters list certified?

An abutters list is needed whenever public hearings require individual notice to interested parties. The notice must be sent by mail to abutters and owners of land nearby. Each Town board, commission or agency has requirements that differ depending upon the specific petition. Please contact the administrator for the specific board/commission to confirm requirements.

The Town of Randolph requires that all abutters lists be certified by the Office of the Assessor located at Town Hall, 41 South Main Street first floor. 

7. If a seller or a third party wishes to obtain a security interest in the alcoholic beverages license, what is required?

The pledge must be approved by the local licensing authority and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

8. Can I purchase alcoholic beverages from a package store for a Section 14 License (One-Day Alcoholic Beverages or Wine and/or Malt Beverages)?

Applicants requesting a Section 14 License cannot purchase alcoholic beverages from a package store. The alcoholic beverages must be purchased from a licensed wholesaler/importer, manufacturer, farmer-winery, farmer-brewery or special permit holder.

9. Do I need a separate bond if I have multiple locations?

A Separate bond shall be required for each different name under which the dealer conducts his business and for each city or town in which the dealer has a place of business.

10. What will happen if I don't post a bond for a Class 2 Dealer License?

The town must have a copy of the dealer's bond or an alternative that will be accepted, such as a certificate of deposit or irrevocable letter of credit equal to the bond amount, upon submission of the application for a new license or license renewal. Failure to provide these will result in the town denying the issuance of a current-year license.

11. What is required for a change of Manager?

• Vote of Corporate Board
• CORI Request Form
• ABCC Form A, Copy of Government issued photographic form of ID
• Copy of completed Alcohol Server Training Certificate

12. What is the process for certifying abutters?

Applicant/department will request a list of abutters within required number of feet of subject property from the Assessor's office. The list will contain the following minimum information:

• Date parcel information gathered
• Parcel ID
• Parcel address
• Parcel owner name, address, city, state, zip code

13. What is required for a Change of Manager?

• Vote of Corporate Board
• CORI Request Form
• ABCC Form 997
• ABCC Form A, Copy of Government issued photographic form of ID
• Copy of completed Alcohol Server Training Certificate

14. How do I obtain a Business License?

A Business License (Business Certificate) is obtained in the Town Clerk’s Office.