Liquor License FAQ
Whether you want to serve alcohol in a bar, restaurant or tavern, or at a sporting event or outdoor festival, you will need to check your state or local government's policies and requirements for obtaining a liquor license. Different types of licenses apply to different types of establishments and events. To avoid being inundated by repeated questions, most liquor licensing agencies provide an FAQ, or "frequently asked questions," page, with the corresponding answers.
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Who Is Required to Get a Liquor License?
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Each state or municipality has its own specific answer to this question, but the answer usually is similar to that listed on the Pennsylvania Liquor License Co. website, which says anyone wishing to distribute or sell alcoholic beverages must apply for a liquor license and be approved. The same applies for the Mesa, Arizona, FAQ, which says any person who sells liquor in Arizona must apply for a liquor license at the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control.
What Are the Minimum Requirements for Eligibility to Hold a License?
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This is an important question for those seeking a liquor license, and the answer varies from one region to the next. New York state says applicants must be U.S. citizens or have permanent resident alien status. They also must be at least 21 and cannot be a convicted felon unless special dispensation is made. In addition, they cannot be a police officer with arresting powers.
In Wisconsin, you need to have resided in the state continuously for 90 days prior to the application date for the license. You also need to have completed a responsible beverage server training course.
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How Long Is a Liquor License Valid?
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In Pennsylvania, wholesale and retail liquor licenses must be renewed every other year. In Delaware, the license is valid for two full years. The answer to this FAQ can vary greatly. West Virginia's answer says all licenses expire June 30 of each year and must be renewed at that time. (The fiscal year is July 1 to June 30.)
How Do I Apply for a Liquor License?
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You may submit an application to your state's licensing commission, according to several websites, including the Pennsylvania Liquor License Co. and the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration. You will need to obtain the proper documentation, fill it out and submit it along with any necessary filing fee. In states like New York, you need to contact the Zone Office that is responsible for the county in which your establishment will operate.
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