Amplified Music & Events: Boston vs Revere
How do amplified music & events rules compare between Boston, MA and Revere, MA?
Revere has fewer restrictions than Boston.
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Boston prohibits amplified music audible beyond 50 feet from the source between 11 PM and 7 AM under the Air Pollution Control Commission noise regulation and City Code 16-26.
View full Boston rules →Revere, MA
Suffolk County
Amplified music in Suffolk County is regulated at the city level. Boston requires Entertainment Licenses from the Mayor's Office of Consumer Affairs & Licensing, and MGL c. 272 §53 (disturbing the peace) applies statewide as a fallback.
View full Revere rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | Revere |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Boston City Code 16-26; APCC Reg | - |
| Night Quiet Hours | 11 PM to 7 AM | - |
| Residential Night Limit | 50 dBA | - |
| First Fine | $100 | - |
| Boston Permit | - | Entertainment License required |
| Boston Code | - | §17-17 (entertainment), §16-26 (noise) |
| State Fallback | - | MGL c. 272 §53 |
| Bars/Clubs | - | ABCC license conditions apply |
| Sound Limit | - | Ambient +10 dB at property line |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
Revere FAQ
Do I need a permit to play amplified music in a Boston park?
Yes. Amplified sound in any Boston park requires a Parks & Recreation special event permit plus, for ticketed events, an Entertainment License under Boston Municipal Code §17-17.
Can Boston police shut down my house party?
Yes. Under Boston Municipal Code §16-26 and MGL c. 272 §53, police can cite or arrest for disturbing the peace. Boston also enforces its Problem Properties Ordinance against repeat-offender addresses.
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