{"id":39288,"date":"2024-10-15T09:48:15","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T09:48:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swoopfunding.com\/us\/?post_type=start-a-business&p=39288"},"modified":"2025-09-22T13:13:58","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T13:13:58","slug":"how-to-get-a-liquor-license","status":"publish","type":"start-a-business","link":"https:\/\/swoopfunding.com\/us\/start-a-business\/how-to-get-a-liquor-license\/","title":{"rendered":"How to get a liquor license"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Maybe you already have a restaurant or a food store and you\u2019d like to boost sales by selling liquor? Perhaps you want to <\/span>start an online business<\/span><\/a> selling wine and spirits? Or maybe you want to <\/span>launch a\u00a0 craft brewery<\/span><\/a> that makes unusual beers? Well hold that thought. Because regardless of the reason you want to manufacture, sell or distribute liquor products, you first need a liquor license.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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What is a liquor license?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A liquor license is a legal permit that allows businesses to produce, distribute, and sell alcohol, while also controlling various aspects of its sale and service. It covers important regulations such as who can purchase alcohol, the days and hours alcohol can be sold, and the types of alcohol permitted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

The license also dictates how alcohol can be served, including the containers used and the allowable quantity per sale. Additionally, it controls where alcohol can be consumed or sold to-go, and whether a business is authorized to manufacture, distribute, or sell alcohol, either separately or in combination. Lastly, liquor licenses set rules for pricing, associated fees, and any applicable quota limits.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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How to apply for a liquor license<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Unlike many other\u00a0permits and licenses, liquor licenses have unique requirements based on the state where you operate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

1. Determine your state’s alcohol laws<\/b><\/h3>

Every state has their own liquor licensing laws, although initially, you\u2019ll need to register with the federal <\/span>Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau<\/span><\/a> (TTP). This agency can also give you further information to help you get your state and local operating licenses and permits. Usually, you\u2019ll do this via your state\u2019s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) agency, <\/span>(see point 7 below)<\/span><\/i>, as they set your state\u2019s laws related to alcohol. You\u2019ll also need to meet any relevant county or municipality liquor rules and apply for regional or local permits. Your state\u2019s ABC should have details of these requirements.<\/span><\/p>

What is a \u2018dry county\u2019?<\/b><\/h4>

A \u2018dry county\u2019 is a county where the sale of alcoholic beverages is prohibited by local law. In these areas, alcohol cannot be sold in stores, restaurants, or bars, although possession and consumption may still be allowed. Dry counties often reflect cultural or religious influences.<\/span><\/p>

Top tip<\/b>: Don\u2019t be tempted to start manufacturing or trading alcohol without the proper licensing as that can lead to large financial penalties or even prosecution.<\/span><\/p>

2. Liquor license quota states<\/b><\/h3>

You may have to get in line to obtain your liquor license. Some states provide an unlimited number of liquor licenses, while others impose a quota restricting the number issued. If the state limit has been met, new applicants must wait until an existing license expires before they can get their license. However, on the bright side, state laws frequently change, so it’s essential to research your state’s alcohol control board for up-to-date quota rules. Hiring legal counsel specializing in liquor laws may also be useful.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

As of 2023, the following states were classified as \u2018quota\u2019 states:<\/span><\/p>