Think crafting the perfect cocktail is tricky? Try getting an Indiana liquor license without the right step-by-step plan!
With up to a 12-week waiting period, a mountain of paperwork, and fees that aren’t exactly straightforward, it’s easy to see why the process can be intimidating. But don’t let that shake you!
We’ve distilled the whole procedure into simple, actionable steps to get you through the process as smoothly and quickly as possible. Soon, you’ll be raising a glass to your fully licensed establishment.
This post is your all-in-one guide to how to get an Indiana liquor license. We’ll walk you through the requirements and liquor license costs, giving you everything you need to get started.
Indiana Liquor License: Who Needs One and How To Get It
If you plan to serve or sell alcohol in Indiana, you’ll need a liquor license. Whether you're running a restaurant, bar, retail store, or hosting a special event, a liquor license is a must for legal operations. Without it, your liquor business could face hefty fines or even closure.
Here's a quick breakdown of the types of businesses that require a liquor license in Indiana and the qualifications needed to apply.
- Restaurants and bars: Any business serving alcohol on-site will need an on-premises liquor license.
- Retail stores: If you plan to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption, you’ll need an off-premises liquor license.
- Special event hosts: Special licenses are available for one-time events, like festivals or charity functions.
There’s also some basic criteria to meet before you can get your hands on that liquor license:
- Age and background checks: Applicants must meet age requirements and pass a background check.
- Designated manager: Your business needs a designated manager with a valid employee permit from the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC).
- Location compliance: Your location must follow zoning laws, which often means it can't be too close to schools or churches.
Now that we've covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at the step-by-step process to get your Indiana liquor license.
1. Determine Your License Type
Before anything else, figure out which license your business needs. Indiana has several types of liquor licenses, and the one you choose depends on the operation you’re running.
Types of Licenses and Their Costs
- Type 210 License: Perfect for businesses selling packaged alcohol for carryout, like liquor stores.
- On-Premises License: For places like bars and restaurants that serve alcohol to be consumed on-site.
- Off-Premises License: This license applies to retail stores where customers buy alcohol to take home.
- Special Licenses: For events, breweries, wineries, or temporary needs.
Costs vary depending on the license type and your location. Prices can range from $500 to $5,000 annually. If you're unsure, consulting with the ATC or a licensing specialist can help you nail down which license is the best fit for your business.
2. Confirm License Availability in Your Area
Not every area in Indiana has an available liquor license just waiting for you. Before you go further, verify that the license you need is available in your area.
Indiana limits the number of liquor licenses in certain areas, so the ATC website is your go-to resource for checking availability. If the license you need isn't available, you may be able to purchase one from an existing license holder. The ATC can help you navigate the open market to find available licenses.
Related Read: What Are Alcohol Control States? 4 Things You Need To Know
3. Ensure Your Location Is Suitable
Location is everything when it comes to getting a liquor license. Your business must meet zoning laws, and the ATC will need to confirm that your spot is up to code.
You’ll need to ensure your business isn’t too close to schools, churches, or other restricted areas. These zoning laws are strict, so it’s best to check with your local zoning office to confirm your location qualifies.
Once your application is submitted, the ATC will inspect your premises to ensure it meets health and safety standards. This includes everything from proper storage to security measures. Get started on these preparations early to avoid hiccups.
4. Gather Necessary Documentation
You’re ready to gather the required documents to submit with your application. Having all your paperwork in order is key to avoiding delays in the process.
Key documents to prepare:
- Business floor plans: You’ll need four copies of your business’ floor plans that show the layout of your premises, including any areas where alcohol will be stored or served. These plans help the ATC verify your location complies with health and safety regulations.
- Lease agreement or proof of ownership: If you’re renting the property, provide a signed lease agreement showing that you have the legal right to operate the business. If you own the property, submit documentation proving ownership, such as a deed or title.
- Articles of incorporation: If your business is incorporated, you’ll need to include these documents to prove your company's legal structure. These documents outline how your business is set up and who is responsible for its management and operations.
- Consent to transfer form: This form is necessary if you're purchasing an existing liquor license from another business. You and the current license holder must sign it to show that the license is being legally transferred to your name.
- Property tax clearance: This document, obtained from your county treasurer, confirms that your property taxes are paid and up to date. Your business must be financially responsible and compliant with local regulations.
Double-check all your documents before submitting them to avoid unnecessary delays or issues with your application.
Related Read: The Ultimate Guide to Opening a Liquor Store
5. Submit Your Application and Pay Fees
Once you’ve got your documents in hand, it’s time to submit your application. It may seem like a mountain of paperwork, but careful preparation will save you headaches down the line.
Fill out every form carefully and ensure all the information is accurate. Submit your completed application to the ATC along with the appropriate fees. Fee amounts vary depending on the license type and your business’ location.
Avoiding mistakes during this step is crucial to avoid delays or rejection.
6. Attend the Local Alcoholic Beverage Board Meeting
After you submit your application, there’s another important step — attending a local Alcoholic Beverage Board meeting.
Your presence at this meeting is required, as the local board will review your application and vote on whether to recommend approval. Their recommendation is a significant factor in the ATC’s final decision, so be prepared to present your case and answer any questions they may have.
7. Wait for ATC Review and Approval
Now comes the waiting game.
How long does it take to get approved for a liquor license?
After your local board’s recommendation, the ATC will review your application. This process takes time — typically 10 to 12 weeks for new applications. During this period, the ATC will inspect your premises to ensure everything meets the state’s requirements.
If everything checks out, you’ll be granted your liquor license.
8. Understand the Costs and Budget Accordingly
Before you get too far ahead of yourself, it's essential to budget for the initial costs and the ongoing fees of maintaining your liquor license.
Depending on your license type, you can expect the annual fee to range from $1,000 to $5,000. In addition, there will be application fees, renewal fees, and possibly some compliance costs.
Specific license costs
- Retailer licenses: These can run anywhere from $500 to $1,000 depending on what you sell.
- Brewer/distiller licenses: These typically cost around $2,000.
- Specialty licenses: Some specialty licenses, like a gaming boat liquor license, can cost as much as $20,000.
Create a budget that accounts for both initial and recurring fees.
9. After Approval: Maintain Compliance and Renew License
Congratulations! Your liquor license is approved. But the work doesn’t end there. You’ll need to stay on top of compliance requirements to keep your license in good standing.
Liquor licenses require periodic renewal, so keep an eye on those deadlines. Also, any employee serving alcohol must have the necessary permits and may need to complete responsible beverage service training.
To simplify these tasks, use a point of sale (POS) system to help you track license status, renewal dates, and compliance requirements. Your POS system can automate reminders and store important documents, making it easy to manage everything in one place.
After Receiving Your Indiana Liquor License: Running a Successful Store
Securing your Indiana liquor license might seem like a complicated process, but with the right information, it doesn't have to be.
By understanding the types of licenses available, confirming availability, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and gathering all necessary documents, you’re already on the path to a fully licensed establishment.
However, license regulations can change. So remember to verify the most current information directly with the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission to avoid any surprises.
It also takes more than having the correct licenses for your liquor store to succeed. You’ll also need the right tools and technology.
A POS system can help you streamline your operations once your liquor license is in place. From managing sales and inventory to ensuring compliance with regulations, Bottle POS is your go-to solution.
Schedule a demo with us today to learn how we can help make running your business smoother, more efficient, and more profitable.
