Operator's license (bartender's license)
Licenses are now online through OpenGov.
Moving forward, once you create an account with OpenGov, you can apply for multiple licenses through the city each year using the same account (including dog license, operator’s license, special event, and others).
Your personal OpenGov account will allow you to:
- Submit a new or renewal alcohol establishment license application.
- Make a payment with an online payment option.
- Track the progress of your licenses.
- Message the city with questions or comments regarding your application.
- Print your establishment licenses. The clerk’s office will only print upon request. Once approvals have been completed, the system will notify you when printing is available. All applicants have the ability to print at home.
- Estimated processing time is one to two weeks.
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Operator licenses are a two-year term, expiring June 30 of every odd year regardless of when applied for. The license must be displayed at the business you are working for.
The license fee is $70. Fees are due at the time of application.
Review of your application
- The Fitchburg Police Department will perform a background check to verify that the information you have provided is complete and accurate.
- If there are concerns about your arrest and/or conviction record as it relates to your application, or if it appears that you falsified or omitted information from your application, you may be called to appear before the Public Safety and Human Services Committee (PSHS).
- If you are asked to appear but choose not to do so, your application may be denied.
- Meetings of the Public Safety and Human Services Committee meetings are open to the public and televised.
This license is a two-year license, expiring in the odd-numbered years, and the cost is $70. You must bring one of the following items to apply for an operator's license:
- Proof that he or she is renewing an existing operator's license held in Fitchburg.
- Certificate showing completion of the beverage server training course within the last two years.
- Copy of a retail license, manager's license, or operator's license that the applicant has held anywhere in the state within the last two years.
Please allow at least one to two weekdays for processing of the application. If you are renewing your license, you must have your application in the city clerk's office at least 30 days before the expiration date. Operator's licenses expire on June 30 of odd-numbered years.
Applicants may request a provisional operator's license when applying for a regular operator's license. The cost for a provisional license is $15.
Renewing through the OpenGov portal
For those applicants that have applied previously through the OpenGov portal, you will need to reapply using the renewal functionality.
To renew your license, please navigate to the City of Fitchburg OpenGov website. Once there, log into your OpenGov account (the email address you are receiving this notification with is the email address associated with your OpenGov account). Once logged in, select "My Account" at the top of the page. You should find a "Renew Now" button in the Action Required section that you can click to begin the renewal process.
Temporary operator's license
The application cost is $10 plus a $7 background check fee.
Starting January 1, 2025, applications will be moved to the OpenGov website. Allow at least 30 days for processing the application. Please wait to fill out any applications for 2025.
