On the federal level, you'll need to apply for a permit from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. State regulations vary, but you can expect to need to obtain a business license, as well. . Please note that when the Application for a Permit to Purchase Alcohol and/or Alcoholic Beverages is attached to and used to apply for the Special Transportation Permit—Industrial Alcohol (also listed here), there is a $5 or $10 fee based on the quantity of industrial alcohol purchased annually.
Business License
Compliance Package (BLCP)™
We provide you with all the licensing requirements and forms.
Compliance Package (BLCP)™
We provide you with all the licensing requirements and forms.
CALL
1.888.449.2638
1.888.449.2638
Form Preparation Service
We prepare all your licensing paperwork, and deliver it to you signature-ready.
We prepare all your licensing paperwork, and deliver it to you signature-ready.
CALL
1.888.449.2638
1.888.449.2638
Full Licensing Service
We obtain for you ALL required licenses.
We obtain for you ALL required licenses.
CALL
1.888.449.2638
1.888.449.2638
Order ANY Service by Phone - Toll Free 1.888.449.2638
How to Obtain an Alcohol License
Whether you plan to open a restaurant that serves alcohol or a liquor store that sells it, you will need to get an alcohol license. Whenever you open a new business, you are typically required to obtain specific types of business licenses, depending on the sort of business you plan to operate, as part of the Business Licenses, Permits & Tax regulations that relate to your industry.
Federal and state laws require that you have an alcohol license in order to serve or sell it.
How Long Will it Take?
Depending on the process in your area, getting your permit to sell alcohol may take as long as a year, so it’s important to keep that in mind as you plan the launch of your business. You clearly can’t open a liquor store until you get that alcohol license, and opening your restaurant without being able to sell drinks might put a damper on sales and put your business off to a bad start.
What Will it Cost?
You might get lucky and only have to pay a few hundred dollars for your selling or serving alcohol license. But if you live in an area that restricts the number of alcohol permits it issues, you will pay much more. In this case, you may choose to buy an existing license from a business that is selling or closing down. You may also be able to bid on an alcohol license through your town government. Consult an attorney with a license and permit specialization for your best option.
Types of Alcohol Permits
Depending on the type of business you plan to open, you’ll need one of the following types of alcohol licenses. These vary by state.
For Restaurants
- Tavern: if half or more of your sales are alcohol, but you also serve food
- Beer and Wine: for establishments only serving beer or wine
- Restaurant: each state has different requirements on the percent of sales of alcohol vs. food
- Club: requires membership to enter
- Brewpub: if you plan to brew your own beer
- Eating Place: strict restriction on serving; may allow carryout beer
For Liquor Stores or Grocery Stores Selling Liquor and Restaurants (examples from Wisconsin alcohol licenses)
- Class A: permit you to sell any type of liquor or wine to be consumed off premises.
- Class B: allow you to sell fermented malt beverages (beer) to be consumed on or off premises.
- Class C: allow you to sell wine to be consumed only on the premises, as well as carrying out a single unopened bottle if purchased with a meal.
- Temporary Class B licenses: (picnic licenses) permit beer or wine sales at temporary events like fairs and festivals.
Inspections
Before you will be approved for your alcohol serving license, your state Liquor Licensing and Compliance organization will inspect your facilities to ensure they meet the requirements for the alcohol permits they issue. They will also check in periodically to ensure there are no violations. A violation might include selling alcohol you do not have a permit to sell, or selling to underage youth. A violation may result in you receiving a warning, or it can be as serious as shutting your business down if you receive numerous violations.
Before you open your restaurant or bar, make sure you have the appropriate license and permit to serve alcohol or sell it.
Alcohol Beverage Applications & Forms
The Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) is happy to provide guidance and direction on the process for submitting applications and obtaining permits for the sale, distribution, and manufacture alcohol, tobacco, e-liquid, or type II gaming. The ATC cannot provide legal or business advice. The ATC cannot issue alcohol permits until the entire process is complete, all required documentation is submitted, and the Commission approves the permit. The ATC cannot work around opening dates or events scheduled before a permit is issued, and the ATC recommends applying for a permit at least 90 days prior to the date you intend to open.
Application Forms Available Online
You must have Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader installed to view these forms.
- On-line Employee Permit Application(New and Renewals)
- Affidavit of Compliance Regarding Notice Posting*
- Alcohol and Tobacco Commission Limited Power of Attorney
(The only power of attorney accepted by the ATC) - Carry-Out Supplement ****
- Cover Letter for a New or Transfer *
(Important information needed for a New or Transfer of Permit) - Consent to Transfer **
- Consent to Transfer Partnership or Membership **
- Consent to Transfer Stock**
- County Verification of Business Location *
- Managers Questionnaire **
- Marion County Alc Bev Board Checklist & Procedure *** (updated 12/3/18)
- New or Transfer Permit *
- Property Tax Clearance Schedule*
(Effective August 21, 2017, all Property Tax Clearance Schedules must be stamped with an embossed seal from the county treasurer.) - Temporary Beer and Wine Permit Application
- Employee Permitprintable copy for mail-in
(Employees may work on their receipt while waiting for their permit for a period of 90 days from the date on the receipt.)
* Required for new permit or transfer of permit applications
** Required for a transfer of permit application
*** Required for new permit or transfer of permit applications in Marion County only
**** Required for all new, transfer and renewal permit applications
** Required for a transfer of permit application
*** Required for new permit or transfer of permit applications in Marion County only
**** Required for all new, transfer and renewal permit applications