The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission
239 Causeway Street
Boston, MA 02114
AMENDMENT APPLICATION FOR A CHANGE OF MANAGER
Below you will find a step-by-step explanation of the change of manager amendment application process. Please read this entire
page before you apply for an amendment to your license as it provides critical information on the approval process.
The ABCC urges you to reach out to the Local Licensing Authority (“LLA”) in the city or town in which you are applying for a
change of manager amendment to your license before applying. While state law requires you to submit certain documents, your
LLA may have other documents and/or fees required of you before it will consider your application, and failure to contact them
before you apply for a change of manager amendment to your license may delay the consideration of your application.
The granting of a retail license amendment involves a three-step process under M.G.L. c. 138, §§ 15A & 16B:
1. Step One is the granting of an amendment application by the LLA;
2. Step Two is approval by the ABCC;
3. Step Three is the issuance of the amended retail license by the LLA.
Each step has certain legal requirements:
Step One. In Step One, when you submit your application with the LLA, the LLA is required by law to note the date and hour
your application is filed with it. The LLA must act on an application within 30 days of it being filed.
If the LLA grants the license, the application shall be forwarded to the ABCC no later than 3 days following such approval.
Step Two. In Step Two, when the ABCC receives an amendment application that has been approved by the LLA, an investigator
will be assigned. The investigator will investigate the proposed manager, examining any criminal background and fitness of
character. Parties to an amendment application must respond promptly to investigators’ inquiries. Failure to do so will result in
a delay of the approval and may result in a denial of the amendment application.
Step Three. Once the LLA receives the ABCC’s approval of an amendment application, it must issue the amended license within
7 days.