What Is the Average Liquor License Cost by State?
Liquor license costs by state range from $300 to $14,000. The most expensive state to get a liquor license is California. The cheapest states are those with a non-quota on liquor licenses. You can also obtain a liquor license via a website, which will typically add on about $250 to the cost of obtaining the liquor license.
If you’re gearing up to open a restaurant or bar, it’s likely you’re interested in snagging a liquor license. And for good reason! According to Small Business Chronicle, liquor sales tend to have some of the largest profit margins of anything on a menu, averaging between 75%-80%.
But before you start planning your happy hour specials, there are regulations you must adhere to, including licensing, in order to run a business with alcohol legally.
In this guide we’ll provide you with the steps you need to take to get a liquor license based on the state you do business in. We’ll also inform you of some common costs associated with obtaining a liquor license. But first, let’s take a look at some of the hurdles you’ll have to leap to secure your license.
How to Get a Liquor License
Although the specifics on acquiring a liquor license vary by state, the general process goes like this:
- Contact your state’s governing agency to determine what kind of liquor license you need and the availability of that license.
- Submit your application along with any other forms or permits required by your state or municipality. You will also have to pay a processing fee.
- Your state’s Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) board can take up to six months to review and approve your application.
- If approved, you must pay for your license. Prices range from $300 to $14,000, based on your state.
- Liquor licenses must be renewed every one–three years.
Obstacles to Getting a Liquor License
Most of the obstacles associated with obtaining a liquor license are bureaucratic. Working with your state’s governing agency, you must determine what kind of liquor license you need and the availability of that license.
The type of license you need depends on a variety of factors that you will explain to your state’s ABC board. For example, you’ll need to explain what type of establishment you operate (restaurant, bar, hotel), if you’ll let customers bring their own alcohol (BYOB), the hours and days you will sell alcohol, and if you will be manufacturing alcohol on the premises.
Based on your answers to these questions, your state’s ABC board will tell you what kind of liquor license you need, and if one is available. Many states have a limited number of liquor licenses, making new liquor licenses hard to come by. If that is the case in your state, you may have to purchase your liquor license from an existing business.
Once you find a liquor license, you will need to submit an application. Some of the items you must provide with your liquor license application are your employer identification number (EIN), business license, sales tax permit, health permit, building permit, and zoning permit. The building and zoning permits are used to determine if your business is in a location and facility where it is legal to sell alcohol. For example, some states won’t grant you a liquor license if your business is too close to a school.
If you are missing any one piece of information, your application will be put on hold until you can submit that information. Once your application is complete, you must submit it via mail or online to your state ABC board along with any accompanying required forms and permits.
Your application can take up to six months to be approved. During that time your state ABC board will work with other local agencies to determine if the information you provided on your application is accurate and resolve any issues that may be raised. For example, local businesses in your area have a right to file on objection to your application.
How Much Does a Liquor License Cost?
To obtain a liquor license you will typically have to pay a fee for the license and a processing fee for your application. The cost of a license ranges from $300 to $14,000 based on your state. You may also have to pay an additional license fee based on your municipality. Processing fees typically run a few hundred dollars.
When it comes time to renew your license (licenses typically last one-three years), you will have to pay a renewal fee. Depending on your state, renewal fees can be as high as the initial license fee or significantly cheaper. If you choose to obtain your liquor license via an online service–such as LiquorLicense.com–you can expect to pay an additional fee of a few hundred dollars.
Other costs you might incur while filing your application include the cost of obtaining a zoning permit, building permit, signage permit, and an alcohol tax permit. These permits can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands, depending on your state.
How to Get a Liquor License in All 50 States
What all this information means is that obtaining a liquor license is a complicated, expensive, and time-consuming process. But with liquor sale profit margins so high, it is a process that many business owners deem worth it. If you count yourself as one of those business owners, let us help you get started on your application with our state-by-state guide to obtaining a liquor license. Cheers!
How to Get a Liquor License in Alabama
The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) website includes a portal for a pre-application checklist and a pre-application form. You need to contact the ABC district office in your county for information on applying.
How to Get a Liquor License in Alaska
Liquor licenses in Alaska are overseen by the Alaska Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Follow these instructions carefully to obtain your license in Alaska.
How to Get a Liquor License in Arizona
The state of Arizona has 21 different series of liquor licenses—see here for which one best applies to your business. A fingerprint is required to obtain any kind of liquor license, however, and at varying costs. See the Arizona Department of Liquor website for full instructions.
How to Get a Liquor License in Arkansas
According to LiquorLicense.com, the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration is responsible for regulating liquor licenses. There are many types of liquor licenses with different application requirements and fees that must be met for the application to be considered. After the application process is complete, it is brought before a hearing where it is approved or denied. You will need to call the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Administration to get your application started.
How to Get a Liquor License in California
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control states that any person wishing to obtain an alcoholic beverage license should apply at the nearest office of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Additionally, they advise checking with appropriate county or city officials to determine if a local business license is required, or if any zoning laws conflict with your desired license. Its website states that the average processing time for a new liquor license in California is 90 days, and a person-to-person transferred license is 75 days. Note that in California liquor licenses must be renewed every 12 months.
How to Get a Liquor License in Colorado
You can learn how to apply for a liquor license in Colorado through the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Liquor & Tobacco Enforcement website. According to the website, you’ll have to get approval at the local government level, which involves undergoing a background check. They also have a series of FAQs and resources for business owners selling alcohol.
How to Get a Liquor License in Connecticut
Find all necessary applications for various liquor licenses in Connecticut through the Connecticut Liquor Control Division. Applications contain further instructions—some of which you can use to apply directly online.
How to Get a Liquor License in Delaware
Find the appropriate forms for applying for a liquor license in Delaware via the Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner. Once you obtain the license, you can use the Online Licensee System for renewals.
How to Get a Liquor License in Florida
You can get the forms to apply for a Florida liquor license through MyFloridaLicense.com. You’ll apply using a printable application and submit the forms at a district office in person or by mail, or access the online application system if available for the specific business or profession.
How to Get a Liquor License in Georgia
According to Georgia.gov, “Georgia requires three types of licenses/permits to sell alcohol: a local alcohol license, a state alcohol license, and a Federal Basic Permit. There are also many different types of licenses, such as Brewpub, Broker, Farm Winery, etc.” You must first apply for your local license with local authorities, and then you can apply for your state license through the Georgia Department of Revenue.
How to Get a Liquor License in Hawaii
The City and County of Honolulu’s Honolulu Liquor Commission in responsible for issuing liquor licenses in Honolulu. Its website contains license forms and information on liquor laws and rules. Click here for links and more information on getting liquor licenses in the rest of Hawaii state.
How to Get a Liquor License in Idaho
Liquor licenses in the Gem State can be found right here. Contact the Idaho Alcohol Beverage Control bureau for more information at 208.884.7060 or email at abc@isp.idaho.gov.
How to Get a Liquor License in Illinois
You can find the forms and costs for applying for the various liquor licenses in Illinois on the Illinois Liquor Control Commission’s website.
How to Get a Liquor License in Indiana
Applications for Indiana liquor licenses can be found on the Indiana Tobacco & Alcohol Commission’s website, where both online and paper forms are available.
How to Get a Liquor License in Iowa
The State of Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division has a nifty portal where you can find information on how to get a liquor license, review liquor laws, search license records, view fee information, and more. Most licenses can be obtained online—see their Electronic Licensing User Guide for more info.
How to Get a Liquor License in Kansas
The state of Kansas lets you apply for your liquor license online via the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control department. Their extremely helpful website explains how to apply for a license, processing times, how your license will be delivered, when you’ll need to renew it, and more
How to Get a Liquor License in Kentucky
The Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) portal for the state of Kentucky contains links to all the appropriate forms for liquor licensing. ABC applications and forms may be printed, filled out, and submitted to ABC via mail or fax, and the department strongly recommends that all new applicants simultaneously file their applications with state and local administrators.
How to Get a Liquor License in Louisiana
The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control handles issuing liquor licenses in Louisiana. You can find and download liquor license applications here.
How to Get a Liquor License in Maine
Follow this step-by-step process for acquiring a liquor license in Maine. Most importantly: “In order to complete your application for an On-Premise License, the municipality, or in the case of an unorganized township, the county where your business will be located must approve your application.”
How to Get a Liquor License in Maryland
You can find the application for a Maryland liquor license right here, and more information on how to apply for the license on the Comptroller of Maryland’s website. You will also need to file for licenses with your local government, such as the Baltimore Country Government.
How to Get a Liquor License in Massachusetts
The state of Massachusetts has a portal for liquor license applications and information. Depending on which city your business is in, you may be able to apply online.
How to Get a Liquor License in Michigan
The state of Michigan has online ordering for licenses. Use this portal for FAQs, rules, and other resources.
How to Get a Liquor License in Minnesota
The League of Minnesota Cities has a great memo of all the information you need to file for a liquor license in Minnesota. This includes state requirements as well as municipal instructions, which are key to obtaining an liquor license in Minnesota.
How to Get a Liquor License in Mississippi
You can find liquor license applications through the Mississippi State Alcoholic Beverage Control here. Be sure to check out their rules, laws, and regulations while you’re at it.
How to Get a Liquor License in Missouri
All the information you need to apply for any kind of liquor license in the State of Missouri can be found right here.
How to Get a Liquor License in Montana
The Montana Department of Revenue manages the alcohol beverage licenses for the state. Follow the links on their website to obtain your liquor license in Montana.
How to Get a Liquor License in Nebraska
Find the forms for Nebraska State liquor licenses here—applications must be mailed, faxed, or emailed. The Liquor Control Commission asks that if you wish to bring an application for a liquor license into their office so that it may be reviewed before you leave, call the office first and make an appointment ahead of time.
How to Get a Liquor License in Nevada
For the state of Nevada, you need to contact the local county office that deals with business licenses. Call the Nevada Alcoholic Beverage Control if you have issues locating the right office. You can download a Nevada liquor license application form here.
How to Get a Liquor License in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, you must first fill out a form to request an application for a liquor license. Based on the type of entity you run, there will be different processes—fortunately, they have guides for each and every one of them.
How to Get a Liquor License in New Jersey
Licensing documents for the State of New Jersey can be found here. You can submit the documents online or via mail.
How to Get a Liquor License in New Mexico
New Mexico is what’s known as a quota state, meaning it has a limited number of liquor licenses. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. The Licensing Department suggests you employ a liquor license broker in your area to assist you. You can find more information on their website.
How to Get a Liquor License in New York
See a list of available liquor licenses in the state of New York here, with information on how to apply and any other details you may need to know. The Liquor Authority Division of New York also lets you check the status of your application online.
How to Get a Liquor License in North Carolina
Here are step-by-step instructions for obtaining a liquor license in North Carolina. Note that NC requires FEIN-SSN verification, as well as fingerprinting.
How to Get a Liquor License in North Dakota
The official portal of the North Dakota Commissioner links you to all appropriate applications for obtaining a liquor license in the state.
How to Get a Liquor License in Ohio
See this handy doc for information on how to apply for a liquor permit in Ohio. It even has links to the applications themselves.
How to Get a Liquor License in Oklahoma
You can apply for a liquor license online in Oklahoma. You’ll need to create an account through their website and follow instructions from there.
How to Get a Liquor License in Oregon
See a list of all license types in Oregon to decipher which license is best for your business. Then choose the appropriate application here and follow the instructions.
How to Get a Liquor License in Pennsylvania
If you’re interested in applying for alcohol permits or licenses through the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB), you must first register to use the PLCB+ system using an access code provided by the PLCB—anyone without an access code can email ra-lblicensingmod@pa.gov to obtain one. Then, the PLCB+ portal will be your one-stop shop to liquor licensing and resources for good.
How to Get a Liquor License in Rhode Island
Apply for a liquor license directly online through the State of Rhode Island ELicensing portal. First-time applicants must register a new account.
How to Get a Liquor License in South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Revenue regulates liquor licenses for the state. See their website for a list of license types and their specifics, as well as renewal schedules and a license directory.
How to Get a Liquor License in South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Revenue instructs you to contact your county auditor for license availability, the cost and what the local process is for obtaining a license. See their website for more information.
How to Get a Liquor License in Tennessee
Tennessee does Liquor-by-the-Drink licensing, meaning you can get a license specific to the type of alcohol and business type. See here for the list of license types and follow their links for further information and instructions on obtaining the license.
How to Get a Liquor License in Texas
You can apply for liquor permits in Texas online through the TABC portal. Easy as that—almost. You also need to certify sellers/servers through this site as well.
How to Get a Liquor License in Utah
See the Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control website for information on licensing and links to various licensing portals.
How to Get a Liquor License in Vermont
The Vermont Department of Liquor Control has a useful portal to guide you in choosing the correct license for your business and then instructing you through that process.
How to Get a Liquor License in Virginia
The Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control website leads you to a few different licensing options. Follow the links related to your business and you’ll be on your way to obtaining a liquor license in Virginia.
How to Get a Liquor License in Washington
Use the descriptions in the links on the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis website to figure out what type of liquor license you need and receive further instructions from there.
How to Get a Liquor License in West Virginia
See this list of alcohol license applications and forms to determine which your business might need. If you need further assistance contact the Licensing Division between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for information or assistance at 304.356.5500 or abcc.licensing@wv.gov.
How to Get a Liquor License in Wisconsin
According to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, to apply for a liquor license, you must “contact the clerk for the city, village, or town where you wish to do business.” The clerk will assist you with applications and information, and then the licensing authority (city council, council licensing board, town board, etc.) will have a say on your application.
How to Get a Liquor License in Wyoming
Liquor licensing is done online through Wyoming’s Eliquor 2.0 portal. See instructions for registering for the program here, which you will need to do to obtain and manage a license.
The post How to Get a Liquor License: The State-by-State Guide appeared first on Fundera Ledger.
from Fundera Ledger https://www.fundera.com/blog/liquor-license/
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