How The Liquor License Application Process For A Restaurant Generally Works
If you are opening up a restaurant, and you want to be able to serve beer, wine, or hard liquor, you are going to need to apply for a liquor license. Although the liquor license application process varies from one state to the next, and from one type of license to the next, there is a general process or order to how obtaining a liquor license generally works.
File a Notice with a Local Community Board
Generally, the first thing that you will need to do is file a notice with a local community board. This notice will let the community board know that you are opening a restaurant in their area. The notice should describe the type of restaurant and services that you plan on offering.
Gain Support from the Local Community Board
The purpose behind the notice is to generate the support of the local community board. Their support can be essential for obtaining your liquor license. The process of obtaining support may take multiple meetings. The board may meet with you to address any questions or concerns they have, and you may be able to make modifications to your notice, before the board votes to either support or oppose your business in their community. If they vote to support your business, and your request for a liquor license, generally they will let the state's liquor authority know of their support. A denial of support can make it much more difficult to obtain a liquor license.
File a Liquor License Application with the State
Next, you are going to need to file a liquor license application with the state. You are going to need to read over all the different types of liquor license available to you in order to choose the right ones for your business.
Then, you are going to need to file out the detailed application for those license. These applications are very detailed. They will ask and inquire about the background, past jobs, and experience with serving alcohol of the owners and/or managers of the establishment. The application will also ask for details about your business and business plan. You'll need to provide information regarding your lease, business model, and floor plan. You'll have to provide supporting evidence, such as photos and copies of legal documents.
Once you file your application with the state liquor license board, you are going to need to go through the approval process, which may require back and forth negotiations with the liquor commission and your attorneys'.
Applying for a liquor license is a long process that required community support and extensive documentation. Make sure that you are ready for the application process and have a legal team to support you with your application. To learn more, click to read this website.
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