You must complete several state applications and submit various documents to obtain a license. This may include fingerprint cards, local government approval, zoning and building permits, business tax permits, food handlers’ permits, a letter from your doctor, and more.
Location is also essential, as the 200 Foot Rule prohibits the SLA from granting liquor licenses within 200 feet of schools and places of worship.
Location
There’s a reason they say “location, location, location.” When it comes to alcohol permits, the location of your premises is critical. For example, in New York, you cannot be licensed to sell alcohol on-premises if your business is within 200 feet of a school, church, synagogue, or place of worship.
The type of license you require also depends on the establishment you want to open. A beer and wine license authorizes businesses to sell beer, wine, cider, mead, and malt beverages; a full liquor license also includes higher-proof distilled spirits. Other permits have a temporary permit for 24-hour sales, a caterer’s license for a specific event, and a taxicab delivery permit. These permits vary in terms of terms and fees.
Age Requirements
A person applying for a permit to sell alcoholic beverages must be 21 years old and have no felony or misdemeanor convictions. Applicants must also satisfy citizenship requirements.
There are a variety of permits available for different types of businesses. One-day access allows a company with an active full liquor license to provide beer and wine for a specific event. A caterer’s permit is similar but allows an individual to provide alcohol for a special event such as a wedding, birthday party, or other function.
A Plenary Miscellaneous for Market Research Testing Permit allows companies to conduct market research testing at licensed premises with a specified date(s) and time(s). This type of permit requires applying 30 days before the scheduled test.
Taxes
You must pay state and city taxes when applying for a license to sell alcohol in your establishment. This will vary from state to state. You may also be required to notify local residences and businesses of your plans to apply for a license or Texas alcohol permit. This process can include publishing an advertisement and notifying churches, hospitals, schools, and other businesses within a certain distance of the business location.
According to Bizfluent, you must determine which license your business needs and the kind of alcohol you plan to serve. This will require various forms, notarized documentation, inspections, background checks, and other requirements specific to each district. You must also comply with the particular times and days that you are permitted to sell alcohol, as well as other restrictions.
Insurance
Whether opening a new restaurant or a bar, your business must have the right insurance coverage. To sell alcohol, you must be covered by liquor liability insurance that covers up to $250,000 per person and up to $500,000 per accident.
You must also have a security system to prevent theft and vandalism. Additionally, it would help if you had a SmartServe-certified staff. This ensures that your employees know how to recognize when a customer is approaching their legal limit so that they can intervene.
Getting a license to serve alcohol is challenging, and it takes time to get everything in order. The attorneys at Tiveron Law can help you understand what requirements must be met and work to ensure your application is approved before your opening date.
Licensing
There are many license types. You must select the license type specific to your business, and additional application requirements may exist. For example, you must choose between on-premises and off-premises licenses. On-premises licenses allow you to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the licensed premises. Off-premises licenses will enable you to sell alcohol by bottle for consumption elsewhere, such as at a restaurant or home.
Other licenses include the Hospital Permit, which authorizes a hospital to purchase liquor, wine, or beer to treat bona fide patients. A Negotiator Permit allows authorized representatives to negotiate with manufacturers and wholesalers for the sale of alcoholic beverage products in New York State.
