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!
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.
First, you need to know what type of license you’re applying for. Most states offer two main types of liquor licenses:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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
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.
Some states have additional liquor license requirements, like:
These tasks can be time-consuming, so plan accordingly to prevent delays.
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.
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:
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.
License type:
Required documents:
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:
South Carolina issues a maximum of six licenses to individual business owners, with restrictions on how many stores you can operate in different counties.
License type:
Required documents:
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.
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:
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.
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.