Obtain A Liquor License Prior To Opening A Tavern

Opening up a tavern in a busy metropolis may seem like a lucrative way to make a living, but before you rent or purchase property and get your business up and running, complete some ground work to make yourself aware of the alcohol regulations that are imposed by the state that your business will be located in. 

Research Your Options

Before renting or purchasing a piece of property, inquire at your local courthouse about liquor licensing regulations. Each state has its own list of requirements needed to obtain a license.

Your business will need to be located in an area where it is legal to sell and consume alcohol. You must also decide if you are going to allow patrons to purchase alcohol and leave the premises with it. If so, you will be faced with additional guidelines that must be followed.

If you are going to purchase an existing bar, there is a chance that the current liquor license can be transferred, but you will still need to fill out a standard application for the license to be transferred into your name. While inquiring about the liquor law in your state, request an application for the license and request information about the fees that you will be required to pay to obtain a liquor license. 

Get Your Paperwork In Order

It can take several months to obtain your liquor license, so it is best to fill out and submit the paperwork soon after you have leased or purchased a building. You must also acquire a business license and taxpayer's identification number prior to applying for a liquor license.

If you have chosen to purchase an existing business and plan on transferring the current liquor license, consult with an attorney who specializes in business law so that they can look over the documents that the seller of the property provides you with to determine if they were prepared properly.

Before submitting your liquor license application, you need to write a detailed description of the business that you intend to operate. Add details about what types of alcohol you will be serving, including beer, wine, and hard liquor. Specify if the area where alcohol will be served is separate from the area where people will be dining.

Create Rules That Patrons Must Obey

Create a list of rules that patrons must obey to minimize issues at your tavern that could jeopardize your right to serve alcohol. The list can include points that specify that customers must show current identification and that anyone can be refused service if they appear to be intoxicated or are verbally abusive. Hang the sign in the tavern so that your customers will see it each time that they stop by your business. 

Work with a service, like Arizona Liquor Industry Consultants, for more help.

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