Catering Business Permit Requirements in Boston, MA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Obtained free from the IRS. Also needed for business bank accounts and payroll tax filings.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Massachusetts Department of Public Health — Food Service Establishment Permit

   Under Massachusetts 105 CMR 590.000, all food service establishments including catering commissaries must be permitted. In Boston, ISD administers this on behalf of the state. If operating in other MA jurisdictions, apply directly with the local board of health.

   Official government source

   Included in Boston ISD permit·Concurrent with local permit

   Included in Boston ISD permit

   Concurrent with local permit

2. Massachusetts Sales Tax Registration

   Caterers must register with the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to collect and remit sales tax on taxable services. In Massachusetts, catering services are generally subject to the 6.25% sales tax. Register online through MassTaxConnect.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online via MassTaxConnect)

   Free

   Immediate (online via MassTaxConnect)

3. Massachusetts Alcohol Catering License (if serving alcohol)

   To serve alcohol at catered events, a caterer must hold a Caterer's License issued by the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). The license must be renewed annually and requires proof of a food service permit.

   Official government source

   $300–$600/year·6–10 weeks

   $300–$600/year

   6–10 weeks

1. Boston Inspectional Services Department — Food Establishment Permit

   All catering businesses operating from a fixed location in Boston must obtain a Food Establishment Permit from the Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD). The permit requires a pre-operational inspection of the commissary or kitchen facility and must be renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $200–$500/year (based on seating and risk level)·3–5 weeks after inspection scheduling

   $200–$500/year (based on seating and risk level)

   3–5 weeks after inspection scheduling

2. Boston Public Health Commission — Catering Permit

   Caterers in Boston must obtain approval from the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC). This includes review of food handling procedures, commissary arrangements, and food safety protocols. The BPHC coordinates with ISD for inspections.

   Official government source

   $100–$300·2–4 weeks

   $100–$300

   2–4 weeks

3. City of Boston — Certificate of Occupancy (for commissary space)

   If operating from a commercial kitchen space in Boston, a Certificate of Occupancy from ISD is required confirming the space is approved for food service use. Required before the food establishment permit is issued.

   Official government source

   $100–$400·2–6 weeks

   $100–$400

   2–6 weeks

4. Boston Catering Event Permit (Temporary Food Event)

   For each catered event held at a venue in Boston, a Temporary Food Service Permit may be required from ISD. Required for events serving food to the public or at large private gatherings. Apply at least 14 days before the event.

   Official government source

   $50–$150/event·1–2 weeks per event

   $50–$150/event

   1–2 weeks per event

Official Sources

• Boston Inspectional Services Department
• Boston Public Health Commission — Food Safety
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health — Food Establishment Permitting
• Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission
• MassTaxConnect

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