How to Obtain a Liquor License in Minnesota

Obtain a liquor license to legally serve alcohol.

If you're looking to open up a bar or serve liquor in a restaurant in Minnesota, you will need a liquor license. Obtaining a liquor license will allow a business or proprietorship in Minnesota to legally serve alcohol. Without a liquor license, a business or proprietorship can face fines for serving alcohol.

Instructions

1. Contact the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (MDPS) at 651-201-7507 for the appropriate liquor license applications. Different applications may be required depending on the type of business you wish to obtain the license for, such as a grocery store, restaurant or bar. Or download the required applications through the MDPS website at dps.state.mn.us under the "Alcohol & Gambling Enforcement."

2. Obtain liquor liability insurance. Many counties in Minnesota require proof of liquor liability insurance along with the liquor license application. Contact a Minnesota state insurance agent to acquire liquor liability insurance. If your business is incorporated, the insurance must be in the corporate name. If the business is unincorporated, the insurance must be in the individual's name. The liquor liability insurance must cover the entire liquor license period.

3. Receive a sales and use tax ID number. A sales and use tax ID number is required for any business wishing to obtain a liquor license. To obtain a sales and use tax ID number, contact the Minnesota Department of Revenue at 651-296-618 for an application.

4. Acquire a special occupational tax stamp. Producers and sellers of alcohol must obtain a special occupation tax stamp. Contact the Minnesota Bureau of Alcohol, Tobbaco, and Firearms at 800-937-8864 for an application to receive your tax stamp.

5. Submit the liquor license application to the MDPS Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division along with all required documents, including proof of liquor liability insurance, the sales and use ID number, and occupational tax stamp. After the department reviews your liquor license application, it will send government officials to inspect the business establishment. Once the liquor license is approved, you will receive it by mail.

References

• Olmsted County: MN Liquor License
• MDPS: FAQs Alcohol Enforcement
• MDPS: Process for Liquor License