Boston Liquor and Lottery Licensing Lawyer

With in-depth knowledge of local, state and federal regulations governing the production, distribution, sale, and marketing of alcoholic beverages and lottery operations, our liquor and lottery licensing team is uniquely positioned to guide clients through the complexities of licensing, permitting and compliance in these highly regulated industries. Whether you’re a manufacturer, distributor, retailer or service provider, we’re here to help you navigate these evolving sectors with confidence and success.

Our experience spans a wide range of industries—from hospitality and retail to entertainment and lottery operations. We work with businesses of all sizes, from family-owned companies to global brands, delivering tailored legal solutions that meet each client’s unique needs. Whether you’re a craft brewery, national restaurant chain, liquor retailer or lottery operator, we provide strategic, industry-specific guidance to keep your business compliant, protected and positioned for growth.

Our team offers a comprehensive range of legal services to support businesses in the liquor and lottery licensing sectors, ensuring smooth navigation through the regulatory process while maintaining compliance at every step. Our areas of expertise include:

Licensing Representation: We represent clients in municipal and state liquor and lottery licensing matters, including appearances before more than 100 municipal licensing authorities and the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC). With extensive experience securing liquor licenses and permits for a variety of businesses, our team is well-equipped to handle complex licensing matters.

Real Estate and Liquor License Transactions: Our practice extends to advising and representing buyers and sellers in real estate transactions involving liquor licenses. We also serve as closing attorneys for lending institutions and manage the legal complexities associated with the sale of hotels, restaurants and liquor licenses, including the transfer of liquor licenses for business owners.

Liquor License Compliance and Hearings: We represent restaurants, liquor stores and other businesses in licensing board hearings related to alcohol service violations, amendments and compliance issues – helping clients avoid operational disruptions and maintain regulatory good standing.

Permits and Regulatory Assistance: From food safety certifications to liquor license applications, we assist clients through every step of the permitting process, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations from start to finish.

Management Agreements: The ABCC prohibits the leasing of a liquor license. Our team specializes in drafting management agreements that have been approved by the ABCC, collaborating closely with clients to create clear, enforceable contracts that meet state and local laws. Whether you’re a business owner or investor, we provide strategic guidance to ensure smooth operations and full regulatory compliance.

Leasing of Restaurants: We help restaurant operators navigate the complexities of restaurant leasing and liquor licensing. Our attorneys help restaurant operators negotiate favorable lease terms that comply with both licensing requirements and operational needs. We guide clients through key issues such as zoning, occupancy restrictions, and lease clauses that impact liquor licensing and permit approvals. Whether you’re securing space for a new venture or renegotiating an existing lease, we work to ensure that your lease supports your operational goals while minimizing legal risks and ensuring your liquor license is in good standing.

Pledges of Liquor Licenses to Lenders and Landlords: Landlords cannot take a pledge of a license unless they lend money. We specialize in structuring liquor license pledges as collateral for financing, documenting such transactions, as well as the pledge of liquor licenses to private lenders and banks. Whether securing funding for expansion or restructuring debt, we help you navigate the legal and regulatory complexities to protect your business’s most valuable assets.

To speak with one of our Boston liquor and lottery licensing attorneys, call Jim Rudolph 617.723.7700 or contact us online.