Can Restaurants in Massachusetts Can Offer Live Entertainment? It Depends

There has been some confusion as to whether dining spots in Massachusetts can feature live entertainment as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Now we have some answers, though questions do remain.

Based on questions we have received from restaurant owners and managers in the state about whether live music is allowed, we talked with a source with knowledge of the phased reopening plan for Massachusetts and have learned that restaurants can indeed feature live entertainment if it is set up outdoors, but they cannot have live entertainment inside their businesses. We are also hearing that live entertainment outdoors might be written in stone, either, depending on the community, as one source indicated in a message last month that cities and towns may be setting (or attempting to set) their own rules about this, and whether or not they can override the state ruling is unknown.

The state is in Phase 3 of its reopening plan as of today, with the previous phase allowing restaurants to open outdoor dining areas, and eventually indoor areas as well--though restrictions including social distancing are set in place for both.

Posted in: Dining Spots