In the United States, businesses and vendors are required to obtain a liquor license before they are permitted to sell alcohol. Liquor licenses ensure that the business follows all rules and regulations that the state enforces. So if you plan to sell alcohol at your business or event, you'll need to apply for one.

Now this might sound a bit intimating, but the process doesn't have to be complicated. With these three tips, you'll be well on your way to getting the licensing that you need.

1. Understanding The Different Types of Licenses

There are several types of liquor licenses available. The type available to you may differ, as each state has its own laws and regulations. However, in general you can expect to see these types of liquor available:

  • Restaurant Liquor License: This is the most common license and it allows restaurants to sell beer, wine, and hard liquor.

  • Beer and Wine License: Another common type of liquor license is the beer and wine license. As you might expect, this license allows restaurants and vendors to sell beer and wine. However, these licenses do not include the ability to sell hard liquor.

  • Tavern License: There is also the tavern license, which is ideal for businesses that sell both food and alcohol. However, in order to qualify you'll need to ensure a minimum of half of all sales are liquor-based.

  • One-Time Licenses: Finally, there is the one-time license. These are ideal for large events, where you'll only need to sell beer, wine, or hard liquor once.

The type of liquor license you choose will largely depend on your budget and event. For more information on liquor licenses in your state, talk to an experienced attorney today.

2. Consider Insurance

While it is important that you have proper licensing, it's not the only thing you should focus on. In most situations, you will need to get insurance coverage as well. So talk to your insurance provider before the event to ensure you have coverage. If you don't, you may need to purchase a plan that includes liquor liability coverage. This insurance will protect you in the event of accidents or damages that involve alcohol.

3. Hire Help

Finally, don't hesitate to hire help when applying for your liquor license. There is a lot of paperwork that needs to completed quickly to ensure your business is legally allowed to sell alcohol. One mistake could significantly impact the length of time between your initial application and approval. So getting help is definitely worth it, especially if you're in a time crunch.

As you can see, there are many things you should know before you file for a liquor license. Luckily, these tips and a skilled attorney can help make the process quick and easy. Companies like Arizona Liquor Industry Consultants can help.

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