One-Day Liquor License Requirements

If you are holding an event at an establishment requiring a one-day liquor license, you must obtain this license from the Melrose Liquor Licensing Commission. Liquor licenses are only given to non-profit companies or corporations, not to individuals. Caterers holding a license in another city or town are also eligible to apply for a one-day license in the City of Melrose. 

Please call (781) 979-4117 for any and all inquiries regarding requirements and deadlines, or email us at LiquorLicensing@cityofmelrose.org. General information about the requirements are below. Anyone interested in a One-Day license must contact the City prior to submitting an application.

Below are the current requirements for a One-Day Special Liquor License in the City of Melrose. The requirements below are to be submitted in one complete application packet. You may email a single PDF packet to LiquorLicensing@cityofmelrose.org or drop off a copy to City Hall, Office of the City Solicitor, 562 Main Street in Melrose attention: Liquor Licensing Commission.

  1. Completed One-Day Liquor License Application (See PDF file.)
  2. Documentation of your organization (i.e. Agricultural, Caterer, For Profit, Non-Profit, Not-For Profit, etc.)
  3. $50.00 non-refundable fee via Check made payable to the City of Melrose.
  4. Certificate of Liability Insurance stating your organization has general liability & also 1-million-dollar liquor liability coverage for the duration of the event. The certificate holder should list the address where the event is taking place and identify the City of Melrose as an additional insured (City of Melrose, 562 Main Street, Melrose, MA 02176).
  5. Copies of Valid Photo Identification AND accompanying Valid ServSafe or TIPS Certification Cards of all Bartenders/Wait Staff . *That is anyone involved with the direct handling, sales and service of alcoholic beverages and clean up. The alcohol must be served not self-served (i.e. bottles on tables for self-pouring is not permitted).
  6. Alcohol Order Form/Invoice from Certified Wholesaler(s) itemizing your requested order(s). Order form(s)/invoice(s) must include a description of the alcohol the organization is purchasing & seeking approval for as well as payment information & delivery drop off/pick up times. Alcohol cannot be donated. The alcohol has to be delivered by the certified wholesaler(s) that have a transportation permit from the State. View the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commissions most recent list on the ABCC's website (scroll to One Day Permit section).
  7. Include a letter detailing information about the event and intended alcohol service procedures (i.e. musical event, dance showcase, 21+ event, a family friendly event, all guest seeking alcohol will be required to show identification at each transaction, 21+ guest will receive a stamp, bracelet upon entry, cash only bar, drink tickets etc. etc.) 
  8. Special Requirements for Events taking place at the Soldier's & Sailors Memorial Building/Memorial Hall:
    1. Please coordinate the delivery drop off/pick up times with Executive Director, Kathy Pigott-Brodeur prior to submitting your alcohol order(s) to the liquor commission to ensure staff is onsite for delivery drop-off/ pickup.
    2. The Authorized hours of Sale should match what is in your Memorial Hall Event Contract i.e. event begins” and you must stop serving at least 30 minutes before the event ends”. The Authorized Hours of Sale should match what is in your Memorial Hall Event Contract i.e. "event begins” (bar opens), .and you must stop serving at least 30 minutes before the “event ends”.