Liquor License Checklist

General Licensing Rules

Licenses are usually valid for one year.

An initial License fee is required

The amount varies by region.

Rewards for Good Behavior

Maintain a good relationship with the agency and you'll likely receive automatic license renewal for a lower annual rate.

Follow the Rules

If a complaint is filed against your establishment for violating any drinking laws, your license may be revoked.

Understand the Licensing Process

Plan Ahead

Obtaining a ;liquor ;license for your establishment can take up to a year or more. Make sure you take this into consideration when starting the process, so you'll have it in time for opening.

Know the Region

The agencies that process and award liqour licenses vary by state, and some regions limit the number of liquor licenses in their communities.

Estimate the Cost

Application fees vary by state, region of operation, type of establishment and other factors. Take taxes into consideration as well.

Hire a Professional

If you're taking ownership of an existing bar, you may be required to buy their licence. Buying and ;transferring ;a ;liquor ;license can be complicated, so you should ;hire a lawyer ;with previous experience in this area.

Factor in Conditions

;You may be able to acquire your ;liquor ;license if the population increases, as some communities will issue new permits during times of economic growth. This is usually done through a blind auction, the license is sold to the highest bidder. Consult your attorney for details on this process.

Know your Class

The type of establishment you have affects the kind of license you'll need to obtain, and how much you'll pay for it. The licenses are categorized by class, and their specific titles vary by state.

Dry Counties

Some areas in the U.S. have laws prohibiting the sale or serving of alcohol within it's borders. While there may be exceptions for certain private clubs, the rules are tricky so consult with a lawyer first.

General Liquor License Classes

Beer and Wine

This type of license allows you to serve beer and wine only.

Brew Pub

Reserved for establishments that brew their own beer. Some states may require an additional license for serving the brew to the public.

Club

This license applies to golf clubs, country clubs, and other leisure clubs. The state or region dictates whether the club can serve all varieties of ;alcohol ;or just wine and beer.

Eatery

;Applies ;only to small carry-out places that offer the option of purchasing bottled beer. This license permits the sale of beer only, and you are restricted in the amount you can sell per customer.

Restaurant

Typically 40% of sales must be from alcohol. Restaurants can serve beer, wine, and ;liquor.

Retail

This license applies to liquor stores, drugstore and convenience stores to allow the sale of bottled alcohol.

Tavern

Depending on the region, a Tavern licence may require your establishment to serve food.