Alcohol-Related Complaints

All license holders must comply with the Massachusetts General Laws and the regulations of the Board of License Commissioners and the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC).

If you believe a licensee is violating the terms of a license issued by the Board of License Commissioners or the ABCC, you may file a complaint. Please download and complete the complaint form, providing as much detailed information as possible.

Submit the completed complaint form to licensing@newtonma.gov and to:

Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission
Attn: Enforcement Division
95 Fourth Street, Suite 3
Chelsea, MA 02150-2358

For urgent, non-emergency matters, contact the Newton Police Department at 617-796-2100. For emergencies, always call 911.

Noise-Related Complaints

All entertainment license holders must comply with the City of Newton's Noise Control Ordinance (§ 20-13).

The Newton Police Department (617-796-2100) and the Inspectional Services Department (617-796-1060) are responsible for enforcing this ordinance. Each department will document the disposition of all complaints in a written report that is available to the public. The report will clearly indicate whether the complaint resulted in a warning or fine. If no warning or fine is issued, the responding city employee will document the reason.

City Property Patio and Parklet Complaints

All holders of licenses for sidewalk cafés and parklets located on City property must comply with the City of Newton's Permits for Café Furniture in the Public Way ordinance (Section 12-70).

The Health and Human Services Department, Department of Public Works, Inspectional Services Department, and Newton Police Department are responsible for enforcing this ordinance. Send any concerns or complaints to: licensing@newtonma.gov.

Violations

If a complaint results in a determination that the terms of a permit or license have been violated, the Board of License Commissioners will provide the permit or license holder with reasonable notice of the alleged violation before imposing any penalty or revoking the permit or license. The holder will be provided with an opportunity to be heard at a public hearing regarding the matter.