Raise a Glass to Alcoholic Beverages

Applying for a liquor license isn't particularly easy, and in many states, it is a process that can take several months. At times, it may feel like successfully obtaining a liquor license in your municipality is harder than getting a business off the ground in the first place. Fortunately, there is no shortage of licensing experts who can assist you and your team as you navigate the bureaucratic maze that is getting a liquor license.

Gathering the Paperwork

While it might seem straightforward at first, gathering the necessary paperwork for your liquor license is anything but. The first reason is that most states have multiple types of licenses; in fact, some states have more than two dozen! You'll need to first correctly identify the license that aligns with your business plans and then make sure that you have all of the relevant paperwork. The second reason comes down to the sheer number of documents you have to show your local liquor licensing body. A business license, building permit, health permit, and zoning permit are just a few of the ones you should be prepared to produce.

Creating a Budget

The actual cost of a liquor license can be just as confusing as the paperwork that you need to gather. There is, of course, the initial licensing fee, which can vary drastically from state to state. Some may run you and your business only a few hundred dollars, while others are north of $10,000. In addition, many states only provide a liquor license for the duration of one year, so be prepared to pay the same fee annually. There are also renewal fees on top of the license fees, and still, there are more permit fees for things like legally required signage that all licensed properties must display. If you simply aren't sure of how much you and your business will need to budget, contact your nearest liquor licensing assistance provider.

Completing Online Applications

Even if you are certain of the paperwork you need to hand over and the budget you need to set aside, completing an online application for a liquor license can still prove challenging. If doing things in person is too time-consuming -- which is especially common if you live in a state that is more rural or gives liquor licenses out on a quota system -- you should seriously consider seeking out the assistance of an online application.

For more information, contact a local liquor licensing assistance service, such as Alcoholic Beverage License Service.