All states have a multi-step process in place for obtaining a liquor license. The local city government council must approve all new and renewal licenses. There is a wait time of about two months to process a license for businesses.
Most states now have detailed instructions on how to complete the application process online. You can also apply online from the ePortal. You need to be registered with an account before you can apply.
There will be applicable fees involved that would need to be paid. Once the city council approves the liquor license, then the state approves it as well. You can contact the appropriate county for more information if any issues arise.
The non-profit organizations may apply for a temporary beer or liquor license a maximum of 12 times per year. These licenses are approved for one to four days and should be submitted 30 days before the event. Keep in mind that no background check is needed for temporary licenses. Some states have avenues available to apply for a temporary license.
What Are Some Restrictions Placed on These Licenses?
Although the state allows businesses and other services to obtain a liquor license, there are restrictions placed on them to prevent any illegal activity and to keep the public safe. It is important to note that all licensed premises are open for inspection by the Police Department. If an establishment violates any of the regulations they can be fined and have their licenses revoked.
There is a rule on consuming alcohol on public property. For instance, the city regulates the consumption and possession of alcoholic beverages in any city park, street, public property, or private parking lot without obtaining permission from the city council.
Furthermore, some states have restrictions regarding outdoor patios. For example, Minnesota state law mandates outdoor patios serving alcohol to be “compact and contiguous.” Moreover, there are more clearly defined rules regarding how and where they can serve alcohol within their premises.
What Is the Liquor License Process Timeline?
As stated earlier, liquor licenses take a couple of months to process. Therefore, if there is a time restraint at the end of the business, they should apply sooner than waiting till the last minute. It allows for more flexibility if any issues arise regarding the license application.
The first step is to obtain Zoning Location Analysis Approval through the Planning and Zoning Department before scheduling your application intake appointment. Details and instructions are contained in each license application packet. Planning and filing your application accordingly with the Planning and Zoning Department can prevent delays for your establishment.
Therefore, plan accordingly and learn more about the process through the online resources if you have any concerns.
Who Can Obtain a Liquor License?
According to the Boulder community in Colorado, new license decisions are based upon showing that the surrounding neighborhood “needs and desires” the issuance of a new license and that the applicant’s moral character is acceptable to the local and state licensing authorities.
The Transfer of Ownership licenses are provided depending on the applicant’s moral character. Lastly, the Permanent Modifications are based on the neighborhood’s “needs and desires” for the proposed alteration to the licensed premise.
States nationwide have a system in place on who can obtain liquor licenses and how they need to approve for one. For example, in Colorado, liquor and beer licenses may be issued in the name of natural persons, corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies. It can further include applicants and other persons involved with partnerships, corporations, or limited liability companies. To apply, they must be at least 21 years of age.
If someone is under the age of 21, they need to apply through a trustee who is at least 21 years or older. The establishments must be registered with the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office and authorized to do business. Any foreign corporations and limited liability companies must also register with the Secretary of State and be permitted to do business in Colorado. The same may apply in your state, and it is crucial to check your local laws on obtaining liquor licenses.
An applicant is not required to be a U.S. citizen or a resident of the state they reside in. However, there are some restrictions if an applicant has an existing criminal record. They are still able to obtain a license, but first, they must demonstrate evidence of rehabilitation.
What Are the Different Types of Liquor Licenses?
There are different types of liquor licenses that establishments can apply for. A hotel-restaurant license mandates that 25% of your gross sales have to derive from the sale of food. This license allows restaurants and hotels with restaurant facilities to sell a full complement of alcoholic beverages. For the hotel-restaurant licensees, they must accommodate full meals until 8:00 p.m.
Another license is the tavern license which allows the sale of a full complement of alcoholic beverages to the public on the licensed premise. Additionally, the beer and wine license permits the sale of beer and wine only to the public for consumption on the licensed premise.
There is also the retail liquor store license which allows the sale to the public of all alcoholic beverages in sealed containers for consumption off the licensed premises. This license is also known as the “package” liquor store license. With this license, the retail liquor stores have an automatic delivery permit to have it sent to the authorized locations. However, liquor stores are banned from the sale of food items except those approved by the State Licensing Authority.
Furthermore, there is a BrewPub license that permits the sale and consumption of all types of liquor and allows the manufacture of malt liquor on licensed premises. This type of license allows the sale and consumption of all types of liquor, as well as permits the manufacture of malt liquor on licensed premises.
Other licenses authorize qualifying non-profit corporations to sell liquor to members and their guests for consumption on the premises. Meals must be served wherever alcohol is sold. Food sales must be at least 15% of gross sales.
Moreover, another license is for lodging and entertainment, which can be used by a lodging and entertainment facility to sell alcoholic beverages by the drink only to customers for consumption on the premises. You can find more information on the local state government website regarding liquor licensing and how it must be obtained.
Certain regulations need to be followed depending on which of the licenses you apply for. The establishment must abide by the rules to ensure that their license does not get revoked.
Lastly, there is an arts license that can be issued to any non-profit arts organization that sponsors and showcases productions or performances of an artistic or cultural nature. This license allows the licensee to sell alcoholic beverages only to patrons of the productions or performances for consumption on the licensed premises in connection with the productions or performances.
When Do I Need to Contact a Lawyer?
If you want to obtain a liquor license in your state for your establishment, you can research the local laws regarding alcohol in your county. It is recommended to get in touch with a local business attorney to assist you with the licensing requirements.
