Important Facts That You Should Know About Getting A Liquor License For Your New Restaurant
If you are planning to open a new restaurant in the near future, you will probably need to get a liquor license. Although many people have been hesitant to open new businesses so soon after the recession, it is important to note that Forbes has recently been quoted as saying that the alcohol industry appears to be resistant to recessions. Therefore, it makes sense that the sale of liquor in your restaurant is a good idea and it will be helpful to know the following information about obtaining a liquor license.
There Are Different Types Of Permits For The Different Types Of Liquor That You Will Be Selling
It will be helpful to verify that your facility will be classified as a restaurant and not a tavern. In order to do that, you must be sure that at least one-half of your sales are food. Unfortunately, if the majority of your sales are alcohol, you may find that your state requires you to be licensed as a tavern.
Assuming that your new venture can be classified as a restaurant, you will need to determine what types of alcohol you will be providing to your patrons. Specifically, about.com has reported that it is possible to choose a permit that will allow you to sell exclusively wine and beer. The other option is the most popular choice and allows you to sell any type of alcohol, from a beer with almost no alcohol to the strongest bourbon and vodka. You should remember that the all-inclusive liquor license is more expensive and you can expect to renew all alcohol permits once a year.
The City Where The Restaurant Is Located Can Decline Your Application
Unfortunately, many new business owners have been shocked to learn that even though their restaurant complied with all of the local, state and federal laws, their application for a liquor license has been declined. That is allowed in some areas due to rules governing the number of facilities serving alcohol within the area.
You can avoid any delays or expensive last-minute changes to your plans for the facility by researching the applicable laws that can impact your restaurant as early as possible when planning for the opening. If you have already committed to the purchase and cannot obtain a liquor license that will allow you to sell a wide range of alcoholic beverages, you may find that you can opt for a beer and wine permit instead. If that is also not an option, it is a good idea to consult with a lawyer to see if there are any exceptions that can be made and to explore your other options.
In conclusion, the sale of alcohol in the restaurant setting is common and often expected in the United States. When you want your new business to be able to offer liquor to your patrons, it is a good idea to be aware of the information listed above to help you get an appropriate liquor license. If you have more questions about obtaining a liquor license, you can read more by following the link.