How to Verify if Someone Has a Liquor License

Selling alcoholic beverages without a license is a misdemeanor in most U.S. states.

By law, liquor retailers are required to have a license in order to sell alcoholic beverages. Some liquor businesses operate on occasion without a license, or with a fabricated or expired one. Most legitimate liquor stores post their license in an area that is visible to visitors. Businesses that operate without a license are more likely than licensed companies to commit misdemeanors. You can verify the license of a retailer without direct confrontation by gathering basic information.

Instructions

1. Write down the license number of the liquor license if the retailer has one posted. If not, record the name and business address of the establishment.

2. Go online to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control office for your state. The United States Justice Department's Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center provides these links on its website. Locate the directory or license query page on the website where you can search for the business to verify the legitimacy of the license. Some states do not have the liquor license directory online. If you live in one of these states, call the number listed for the department to make a phone inquiry.

3. Report any fraudulent licenses or businesses operating without a license to the state's ABC department or board. Businesses with fraudulent or no licenses often sell alcoholic beverages to minors, which is a Class 2 misdemeanor in the United States.

References

• Underage Drinking Enforcement Training Center: State ABC Agencies