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Securing a liquor license: It’s the final hurdle before you turn your dream of owning a liquor store into a reality.
You’ve stocked your shelves with the perfect selection of bottles, hired a great team, and even ordered your “Grand Opening Soon!” banner — but one missed document can cause major delays for your business plan.
That’s why we’ve created this quick guide to liquor license requirements. We’ll cover everything you need to know to feel prepared and confident as you apply for your license — plus, we’ll share an in-depth overview of the application process and requirements for these states:
Cheers to your new liquor store!
The Liquor Licensing Process: A General Overview
Our number-one tip for new business owners applying for their first liquor license is to be prepared.
You need to understand your state’s process, know the requirements, and gather all the necessary information before crunch time.
Determine Your License Type
First, you need to know what type of license you’re applying for. Most states offer two main types of liquor licenses:
- On-premise licenses are required for bars and restaurants. They allow you to sell beer, wine, and liquor for consumption on your property.
- Off-premise licenses are what liquor stores need. They allow you to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption off of your property.
Some states offer even more types of retail licenses, differentiating between stores that can sell beer and wine only and those that can sell full-strength liquor.
Gather Essential Paperwork
Regardless of your state or license type, you must provide documentation that proves your identity and your eligibility to operate a liquor store.
Here are just a few examples of liquor license requirements:
- Federal employer identification number (EIN): You’ll receive this number when you file the paperwork to become a sole proprietor or limited liability company (LLC).
- Business license information: Some states and counties require liquor stores to apply for general retail/business licenses in addition to liquor-specific permits.
- Right of occupancy: This could be the lease or deed of your liquor store, proving that you have the right to do business in the space.
- Building and zoning permits: These documents include key information about your liquor store’s physical space, including size, safety information, and proximity to other establishments like churches and schools.
- Criminal background checks: Some states have strict regulations on who can own a liquor store, especially if you’ve committed a beverage-related crime or felony.
- Proof of insurance: You might need to submit an insurance declaration to prove that you have proper business and liability coverage.
- Financial information: Some states require you to provide detailed information about your funding sources and projected revenue.
Keep in mind that you may be required to sign affidavits or get these documents notarized before submitting your application — so don’t wait until the last minute.
Finance Your License
Depending on your state’s fee structure, securing a liquor license can be a significant expense. Here are the main fees you need to budget for:
- Filing fee: Most states require you to pay a nonrefundable application fee.
- License fee: You’re required to pay a license fee to get and renew your liquor license, either annually or every other year.
- Bond: Some states require you to put up tax or surety bond money before issuing your license.
Most states have a liquor license fee chart on their website, so it should be easy to include these expenses in your business plan.
Related Read: How Much Does It Cost To Open a Liquor Store? 9 Factors
Complete the Application Process
You’ve gathered the right information and set aside money for your fees — now it’s time to start the application process.
Almost all states have an online application process. You can create an account, fill out the information, and upload the required documentation. If you’re unable to complete an online application, most states allow you to apply by mail or hand-deliver your paperwork.
Some states also have quotas on the number of liquor licenses issued, leading to strict competition between aspiring liquor store owners for licensure. In these states, you may need to apply for a license lottery or get a license transferred from a closing store to your new one.
Other Requirements
Some states have additional liquor license requirements, like:
- Meeting with authorities: You may need to meet in person with a representative from your liquor licensing body to prove your identity and answer more questions.
- Participating in training: You may need to enroll in training to learn how to comply with your state’s liquor laws and protect your license.
- Posting public notices: You may need to publicly announce your intent to get a liquor license by posting signage on your door or publishing a notice in the newspaper.
These tasks can be time-consuming, so plan accordingly to prevent delays.
Liquor License Requirements in Key States
We’ve given you a general overview of liquor license requirements across the country — but let’s take a closer look at what the process looks like in different states.
Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas are some of the most popular states for aspiring liquor store owners, so let’s explore their application requirements in more detail.
How To Get a Liquor License in Florida
License type:
Beer, Wine and Liquor Consumption on Premises (4COP)
Note: Florida makes no distinction between on-premise and off-premise consumption for businesses that sell hard liquor.
Required documents:
- Fingerprints
- Right of occupancy
- Sketch of your store’s interior
- Other documents: Florida requires liquor store licensees to prove “good moral character,” so you may have to provide information about past arrests or other criminal records.
Cost:
Filing fees depend on which Florida county you’re operating in, but all 4COP licenses cost $1,820 annually.
Other requirements:
Florida has a quota-based liquor licensing system, and the number of licenses available depends on your county’s population.
If you live in a highly populated area, you may have to participate in a lottery or look for a transfer opportunity. Keep in mind that you still have to apply for a liquor license and meet all eligibility requirements.
How To Get a Liquor License in South Carolina
License type:
Required documents:
- General South Carolina retail license
- Right of occupancy such as a lease or deed
- Other documents: Just like Florida, South Carolina requires liquor store licensees to prove “good moral character,” so you may have to provide information about past arrests or other criminal records.
Cost:
South Carolina requires you to pay a $200 filing fee to submit your application, and the license fee is $1,400 every two years.
Other requirements:
South Carolina requires you to publicly announce your intent to secure a liquor license in two ways:
- You must post signage on your liquor store’s exterior for at least 15 days.
- You must publish a weekly notice in an approved newspaper for three consecutive weeks stating the type of license you’ve applied for and the address of your store.
South Carolina issues a maximum of six licenses to individual business owners, with restrictions on how many stores you can operate in different counties.
How To Get a Liquor License in Georgia
License type:
Required documents:
- Notarized citizenship declaration and approved identification (driver’s license, etc.)
- Financial affidavit establishing where your funding comes from and further financial documentation if requested
- Notarized personnel statement covering your personal background, criminal record, and prior involvement in the tobacco and alcohol industries
- Surveyor’s certificate approving your store space
Cost:
Georgia charges a nonrefundable investigation fee of $100 when you submit your application, and the license fee is $200 annually.
You’re also required to put up $2,500 for a state tax bond.
Other requirements:
Georgia requires you to publish your intent to secure a liquor license in an approved newspaper. This notice should be published at least once in the 30 days before you submit your application, and it should include information like your name, your business partners’ names, and the exact location of your proposed liquor store.
How To Get a Liquor License in Texas
License type:
Application requirements:
While Texas doesn’t require you to submit many supporting documents, their liquor license application is an in-depth form with questions about your:
- Personal background, employment history, and criminal record
- Financing information and revenue projection
- Property measurements
Cost:
A Texas Package Store Permit costs $1,800 every two years, and you’re required to put up a $10,000 surety bond upon receiving your license.
Launch a Successful Liquor Store With Bottle POS
Starting a liquor store is no easy feat, but you don’t have to do it alone.
We’ve covered all the liquor license requirements you need to know — but that’s not where our help ends!
Our comprehensive guide to owning a liquor store shares expert tips and insights to help you launch, manage, and grow a thriving small business — from setting prices to building a loyal customer base.
Get the guide for free and start reading today.
