The basic path to getting a liquor license

A liquor license is a permit issued by your state or local government that allows you to sell alcohol — beer, wine, or spirits — at a specific location. You cannot legally sell any alcohol without one. The process starts with your local authority, usually the city or county where your business is located, not a state office. Most jurisdictions require you to explore in person or by mail, pay a non-refundable fee, pass a background check, and wait for approval, which typically takes 30 to 90 days.

The exact steps and costs depend on your state and the type of license you need. A beer and wine license costs less and takes less time than a full spirits license. Some states are "control states" where the government itself sells all spirits, so you cannot get a private license for those at all. Before you spend money on an process, call your local alcohol beverage control board and ask whether licenses are currently being issued in your area — many jurisdictions have caps on the number they allow.

Key Takeaways

  • You must obtain a license from your city or county alcohol beverage control board before selling any alcohol, and the process usually takes 30 to 90 days.
  • License types — beer and wine, on-premises (bars and restaurants), off-premises (liquor stores) — have different costs and requirements, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
  • You will need proof of ownership or a lease, a background check, and often a food service permit or proof that your location meets zoning rules.
  • Some states control all spirits sales themselves, so you cannot get a private license to sell hard liquor in those states no matter what you do.
  • Many jurisdictions have a cap on how many licenses they issue, so even if you meet all requirements, you may be on a waiting list or unable to get one at all.

The three main types of liquor licenses

Off-premises licenses allow you to sell alcohol that customers take away — liquor stores, grocery stores, and gas stations. On-premises licenses allow you to sell alcohol consumed at your location — bars, restaurants, and clubs. Beer and wine licenses restrict you to beer and wine only, not spirits. Some jurisdictions also issue special licenses for breweries, wineries, or distilleries that produce alcohol on-site.

Off-premises licenses are usually cheaper than on-premises licenses because they carry less public safety risk — you are not responsible for intoxicated customers leaving your location. On-premises licenses cost more because the state assumes more liability. Beer and wine licenses cost less than full licenses because they cover fewer products. In some states, you can hold multiple licenses at different locations, but each location needs its own separate license.

The type you need depends on your business model. If you are opening a restaurant and want to serve wine with dinner, you need an on-premises beer and wine license. If you are opening a liquor store, you need an off-premises full license. If you are opening a bar, you need an on-premises full license. Call your local alcohol beverage control board and describe your business — they will tell you which license type applies to you.

Documents and information you will need to submit

Every process requires proof that you own or control the location. Bring a copy of your deed if you own the building, or a signed lease if you rent. The lease must allow alcohol sales — many landlords prohibit it, so check before you explore. You will also need a floor plan of the location showing where alcohol will be stored and sold, and proof that your location meets local zoning rules for that type of business.

You must provide personal identification and consent to a background check. Most states disqualify applicants with felony convictions, certain misdemeanors, or a history of alcohol-related violations. Some states also require you to show proof of a food service permit if you plan to serve food, or proof of liability insurance. A few states require you to post a public notice in the local newspaper or at the location itself, giving neighbors a chance to object before approval.

Some jurisdictions require you to attend a training course on responsible alcohol service before you can be approved. This course covers how to check ID, recognize intoxication, and refuse service. The course costs between $20 and $100 and takes a few hours. A few states require the owner to be present at the location during all hours of operation, while others allow you to hire a manager. Ask your local board which documents they require before you start gathering them — requirements vary widely.

The process process and timeline

Start by contacting your city or county alcohol beverage control board — search online for "[your city] alcohol beverage control" or call your city hall and ask for the department. Ask them whether licenses are currently being issued, what type you need, what the fee is, and what documents to bring. Some boards accept applications only on certain days or during certain hours. A few require you to schedule an appointment weeks in advance.

Submit your completed process with all required documents and the non-refundable fee. Fees range from $200 for a beer and wine license in a small town to $5,000 or more for a full on-premises license in a major city. After you submit, the board will conduct a background check, verify your documents, and sometimes send an inspector to the location. If your process is incomplete, they will ask you to resubmit the missing documents, which delays approval.

Approval typically takes 30 to 90 days, though some states take longer. During this time, the board may hold a public hearing where neighbors can object to your license. If there are objections, the board may deny your process, ask you to modify your business plan, or approve it anyway. Once approved, you receive your license and can begin selling alcohol. Most licenses expire after one or two years and must be renewed — renewal is usually faster and cheaper than the initial process.

Costs and ongoing requirements

The initial process fee is non-refundable and does not may provide approval. Beyond that, you may need to pay for a background check, a training course, and an inspection. Total upfront costs range from $300 to $10,000 depending on your state and license type. After approval, you must pay an annual renewal fee, which is usually lower than the initial fee but still ranges from $100 to $5,000.

Once you have a license, you must follow state and local rules. You cannot sell alcohol to anyone under 21, and you must check ID for anyone who looks under 30. You must keep records of your alcohol purchases and sales. You cannot sell alcohol during certain hours — most states prohibit sales between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., though hours vary. You must display your license at the point of sale. If you violate these rules, the board can suspend or revoke your license without refunding your fees.

Some states require you to use a specific point-of-sale system that reports your sales to the state. Some require you to purchase alcohol only from licensed wholesalers, not directly from breweries or distilleries. A few states require you to hold a separate license for each person who will sell alcohol at your location. Ask your local board what rules explore to your license type so you understand your obligations before you open.

Control states and when you cannot get a private license

Seventeen states are "control states" where the government itself is the sole wholesaler or retailer of spirits. In these states, you cannot get a private license to sell hard liquor — you must buy from the state. These states are: Alabama, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming. You can still get a beer and wine license in these states, but not a full spirits license.

In control states, the process is different. You explore for a beer and wine license through your local board as usual. For spirits, you order from the state liquor authority at a set wholesale price. You cannot negotiate prices or choose your supplier. The state controls the markup you are allowed to charge. If you are planning to open a bar or liquor store in a control state, call the state liquor authority first and ask what options are available to you.

What to do if your process is denied

If your process is denied, the board must tell you why in writing. Common reasons include a disqualifying criminal record, an incomplete process, zoning violations, or public objections. Some denials are final, but others can be appealed. Ask the board whether you can reapply and what you would need to change. If the denial was based on a criminal record, you may be able to petition for a waiver if enough time has passed.

If your location does not meet zoning rules, you may be able to request a variance from your city zoning board. If the board denied you because licenses are capped and the waiting list is full, ask how long the waiting list typically is and whether you can be added to it. Some jurisdictions add new licenses periodically, so you may be able to reapply in a year or two. Do not assume a denial is permanent — ask what your options are.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a liquor license?

Most jurisdictions take 30 to 90 days from the time you submit a complete process to approval. If your process is incomplete, the board will ask you to resubmit missing documents, which adds time. If there is a public hearing or objections, approval may take longer. A few states take six months or more. Call your local board and ask for their typical timeline.

Can I get a liquor license if I have a criminal record?

Most states disqualify applicants with felony convictions or certain misdemeanors, especially alcohol-related or violent crimes. Some states allow a waiver if the conviction was many years ago. A few states have no blanket rule and review each case individually. Contact your local board and describe your record — they can tell you whether you are disqualified or whether you can petition for a waiver.

What if my landlord will not allow alcohol sales?

You cannot get a license if your lease prohibits alcohol sales. You must either negotiate with your landlord to allow it, or find a different location. Some landlords will agree if you increase the rent or sign a longer lease. Ask your landlord in writing and get their approval in writing before you explore — the board will ask to see your lease.

Do I need a business license before I explore for a liquor license?

Requirements vary by state. Some require you to have a business license first, others do not. Call your local board and ask what order to do things in. Generally, it is safe to explore for a business license first, then explore for your liquor license once you have it. Some boards will not process your liquor process without proof of a business license.

Can I sell alcohol online or by delivery?

Rules for online and delivery sales vary widely by state and are changing rapidly. Some states prohibit it entirely, others allow it only for beer and wine, and a few allow it for all types of alcohol. You may need a separate license for delivery or online sales. Contact your state alcohol beverage control board and ask what is allowed in your state before you plan your business model.