Liquor License Sales
Anyone who manufactures, serves, or sells alcohol must have a liquor license. Liquor licenses are issued by municipalities according to certain legal restrictions based on population. For every 3,000 people in a town, that town can issue one consumption license. For every 7,500 people, a town may issue one distribution license.
In growing municipalities, new licenses are generally auctioned off to the highest bidder. In most cases, however, one will get a liquor license by buying a pre-existing license.
If you are looking to get a liquor license, you need to determine whether you will be getting a new license or buying an existing license from another business or a broker. While the sale of a pre-existing liquor license is private, the new licensee must then be approved by the state’s issuing authority.
Types of Liquor Licenses
There are many different types of liquor licenses. The license that you need depends on whether you will be manufacturing alcohol, selling alcohol to be consumed off the premises, or selling alcohol that will be consumed on the premises, amongst other factors.
Retail licenses are issued to individuals or businesses who sell alcohol. Retail licenses may be issued to bars, restaurants, clubs, lounges, theaters, hotels and motels, and grocery stores. Wholesale licenses are distributed to craft distilleries, breweries, and wineries–locations where alcohol is blended, treated, mixed, bottled, and transported.
Anyone buying a liquor license must determine the type of liquor license that is appropriate for their needs. This can be a bit more complicated than it may seem, with different restrictions regarding the amount of alcohol that can be manufactured or sold, and the locations in which it can be sold or consumed.
Call an Attorney to Help You Get a Liquor License
The distribution and sale of liquor licenses is closely monitored by local government. In order to ensure that you take all proper steps to obtain a legally valid liquor license, and to avoid penalties or having the license revoked, you should seek guidance from a reputable attorney.
The lawyers at Himelman and Himelman can guide you through this process to a successful conclusion, whether you are a buyer or a seller. Dan Himelman has over 30 years of experience selling, purchasing, and transferring liquor licenses. We will take all necessary steps to ensure that you receive your proper licensing, including filing the necessary applications, publishing the notice of intent to transfer the license, and providing your township with written consent to transfer pending their approval.
To schedule your free initial consultation, please contact us online or call 732-842-8200.