Seven Steps to Getting a Liquor License in Florida

As you set your sights on the state of Florida and work toward opening your bar, restaurant, or liquor store you have a lot to do, though your first order of business should be figuring out whether you can even operate within the state. Today we are going to take a quick look at the seven steps you need to take if you are ready to get a Florida alcohol license. Your dream of running a bar or a tavern might be on the horizon, but first, look at the following points.

Understand the steps that are required to obtain a liquor license, and learn about the benefits that your business could enjoy. When you’re ready to find the right license, our team is here to help.

STEP 1: CONSIDER YOUR BUILDING’S ZONING

Having a building is a significant first step toward opening your business but is the building zoned correctly? It all starts with finding out whether your property is in the right zone and this is something established by the county in which your building is located. Unfortunately, alcohol can create disastrous and unpredictable circumstances which is why most counties like to keep it in commercial zones rather than residential zones. Before you can even think about launching your business, you must find out if your building is in the right zone but to give you a clue, the areas with the following locations are usually unacceptable: schools, parks, daycare, and government-owned property.

STEP 2: LEARN ABOUT WAIT TIMES

One of the most frustrating parts of obtaining any kind of license or permit is the waiting period. This is the time required for the application to process, and in most cases, you should allow at least six months. Start by investigating the availability of licenses in the area as this will give you an idea of how long you will be waiting, and remember, the sooner you apply, the sooner you will get your license.

STEP 3: RESEARCH STATE LAWS

There are various laws in different states which govern how and when you may obtain your liquor license. Did you know for example that each county has a different quota? Often these quotas are maxed out which may require you to make a purchase through a private seller or win a license in a lottery.

STEP 4: DECIDE IF YOU NEED AN ON-LICENSE OR AN OFF LICENSE

There are two major types of liquor licenses:

On-License – Allows your patrons to consume alcohol on the premises. This type of license is ideal for restaurants and bars.

Off-License – This type of license is designed for gas stations and liquor stores that sell containers and allow patrons to carry the items out with them.

STEP 5: CONSULT YOUR LANDLORD

In the event, that you do not own the property on which you wish to sell alcohol, you need to speak to your landlord and sign a lease. This is a necessary step as a property that does not have the right paperwork in order when applying for a license can face severe repercussions later.

STEP 6: KNOW WHAT TYPE OF ESTABLISHMENT YOU HAVE

Even if you aren’t running a restaurant, there is always a chance that you may meet the definition of a restaurant. For example, if your location serves any food with drinks to customers, you may qualify as a restaurant. If this is the type of establishment that you are planning on running, you must complete additional research as several permits are required.

STEP 7: ASK YOURSELF IF YOU NEED A TEMP LICENSE

Did you know that you can obtain a temporary license if you don’t want or need a full-blown liquor license? While a temporary license only allows you to sell for a limited time, it works perfectly if you do not plan to maintain a permanent presence in the area. For example, if you are simply renting a location and only expect to be there for a few months – investigating a temporary license is a great idea. The drawback to this type of license is that you cannot sell it off once you reach the end of your tenure at the location.

Make sure you’re ready to sell the moment you open your front doors by getting the right paperwork and most importantly, getting the proper license to sell liquor in the state of Florida. These seven steps will serve as your basis for getting your foot in the door and starting your very own establishment.

THE KEY BENEFITS OF GETTING A FLORIDA ALCOHOL LICENSE

To be able to sell liquor legally in any state, you will need a license.

Beyond the obvious, there are several ways that a liquor license could help you to grow your business and attract a larger share of your local market.

If you own a restaurant or café, then you should see a liquor license as a necessity. It could help bring more patrons through your door and keep them inside your establishment for longer. This, in turn, could increase your revenue, ultimately boosting your bottom-line profits.

• By offering liquor as part of your menu, you could increase the chances of selling your key menu items. For example, you could offer food and liquor pairing suggestions to your customers to increase the sale of low-volume items.
• Liquor can encourage people to come early for meals and stay after they have eaten. Liquor is ideal for socializing, so families and groups will be more likely to enjoy pre-drinks or a nightcap.
• Certain liquors can bring an element of prestige to your business. If you offer champagne or other high-end wines and spirits, your restaurant or café could be chosen for celebratory occasions.
• A liquor happy hour is an effective restaurant promotion idea that attracts new customers and boosts sales.
• In some cases, patrons will simply expect liquor to be an option. Certain meals like pasta and steak go perfectly with a wine pairing. Many customers will enjoy a craft beer with their gourmet burger. Think about the food that you offer, and consider how patrons might expect a liquor offering to be the perfect accompaniment.
• If your restaurant or café wants to attract people on evenings and weekends, then liquor will be essential. Some patrons may visit your restaurant with the sole intent of socializing over drinks. If you don’t have a menu with at least beer and wine, then you could lose a significant portion of your addressable market.

All of these reasons should be compelling to business owners who want to get ahead. Consider the benefits and talk to us if you’re ready to get a Florida Alcohol License today.

A TEAM OF FLORIDA LIQUOR LICENSE EXPERTS

Now that you understand the licensing process and the benefits, it’s time to talk to experts about getting a Florida alcohol license. We have decades of experience in the hospitality industry and with licensing requirements. If you want the surest way of securing a license quickly and for the right price, it’s time to contact us.