Alcohol License

The License Commission issues and oversees all Liquor Licenses issued in the City of Haverhill.

Haverhill Liquor License Quota

current as of 07/29/2026

Package Stores (Section 15 Licenses)

Massachusetts limits package stores by population according to the Federal Census. The next Federal Census will be taken in the year 2030. Haverhill's current quota is 28. (14 All Alcohol and 14 Wine & Malt)

We do not currently have any available All Alcohol or Wine & Malt Only licenses. The only way to acquire a Section 15 license currently is to purchase an existing one from a Haverhill business and apply for a Transfer application.

Please contact the City Clerk's office for more information.     

Pouring Licenses (Section 12 Licenses)--Restaurant/General on Premises/Taverns/Clubs

If you are interested in applying for a Pouring License (Section 12 License) please visit New Alcohol License Application for general instructions and information.

One Day Licenses

Individuals, Non-Profits, Businesses without current liquor licenses can apply for a One Day liquor license (up to 30 per applicant each calendar year; one license per day). The cost is a $60 application fee along with $100 for Wine & Malt Only or $125 for All Alcohol (non-profit organizations only).
NB: Any business with a Sec. 12 license application pending before the License Commission or the ABCC is ineligible to apply.

An application needs to be completed and returned with the required fee. The liquor liability insurance for the server and the safe service of alcohol certificate (i.e. TIPS or ServSafe-Alcohol certification) for each of the servers must accompany the application.
The next step is to have the Police Department do a background check on the applicant and review the application, as well as the Recreation and/or Health Department if applicable.
Then the application is placed on the following License Commission agenda (please see the Calendar of Meetings under the License Commission main page). If the location of the event is on City Property, the application will also have to be approved by the Mayor and City Council. 
Please allow 2-3 weeks for application processing.

All alcohol purchased for this event must be purchased from an Authorized Source in the state of MA. It cannot be purchased at a package store. All receipts/invoices must be provided to the License Commission Clerk no later than 4:00 pm on the last business day before the event. (e.g. event is on a Sunday, receipts submitted by Friday two days prior)

Carry-In License

NB: Payment of Fees is required, but does not guarantee that a permit will be issued. The project must pass all required approvals first.

Apply Online