THREE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT LIQUOR LICENSES

As someone who is thinking of opening a business or merely adding liquor to their existing menu, you probably have a lot of questions. One of them might be ‘the cost of Florida Alcohol Licenses’. Other questions are likely running rampant through your mind, and today, we want to answer three of them once and for all. While the answers to these questions might not make you ready to purchase your Florida 4Cop license today, they will undoubtedly help you be more prepared to start the process and get ready to bring alcoholic drinks to your customers.

Understanding your Florida liquor license needs will help you to plan the next step for your business. With a license, you can legally sell liquor at your bar, restaurant, or similar establishment. Get answers to three common questions surrounding the liquor licensing process.

QUESTION 1: DO YOU NEED A 4COP OR OTHER FLORIDA ALCOHOL LICENSEs?

Do you need a Florida Liquor License? If you want to serve alcohol, you will need a 4Cop license or
a similar license that suits your business model.This is a common question, and the answer is yes, if you are planning to sell hard liquor at your establishment, you need a liquor license. Before you set up your establishment, you should research the state liquor laws and make sure that your building properly conforms to them. Remember: you can’t sell any drinks until you obtain your liquor license, and once you apply for it, you will be informed as to the limitations set by the state. These limitations include:

• The types of liquors you are allowed to sell.
• Specific limitations.
• Qualifications for sales.
• Cost of license.

To get the process started, you need to speak with the Alcohol Beverage Control agency for the state of Florida, who will fill you in on the above requirements as well as any additional ones that might exist. Once you have your liquor license, it is vital that you conform to those restrictions. The most important piece of advice to follow, however, is never to assume anything. Even after you obtain your liquor license, you need to make sure that you are conforming to state and county laws with the knowledge that regulations could change significantly as you enter different areas.

Additionally, it is important to note that getting your liquor license could take quite a while. It’s a good idea to apply for your liquor license as soon as you can, as applications can take up to a year to complete and maybe even longer if the state you reside in has a license quota to contend with. Make sure that you research the quota or potential quota before you rent a commercial space.

Also, remember that in some counties your request for a liquor license may be posted in the local paper allowing community members to contest it. If they do, you will have to take your case before the licensing authority.

QUESTION 2: CAN YOU TRANSFER FLORIDA ALCOHOL LICENSES?

Can you transfer your liquor licenses to another person once you are done with it? When you first purchase a liquor license, it must be put under the name of the new owner, to begin with, and after a time you may transfer it to someone else. In most cases, you need to complete a transfer within 180 days of the new owner taking over, and it starts with filling out a form at the state’s liquor license department. The form needs to state why the transfer is being carried out and the name of the person involved.

While a transfer is possible, you do need to take some things into consideration. For example, you must ensure that the recipient can pass a background check and that they meet all the necessary requirements. One of the most common problems is a felony conviction as fifteen years must pass since said conviction for the individual to qualify.

QUESTION 3: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET APPROVED?

This is not a short process by any means; you should apply for your liquor license as soon as you know you need it for your location as it can take a minimum of five months. In most cases, however, you should expect the acquisition of your license to take an average of eight months, so be prepared! Keep in mind that you should expect delays with your liquor license application, especially if there are factual problems or incomplete documents.

LIQUOR LICENSE LOTTERY VS. BUYING A LICENSE

With three key questions answered, you may still have some concerns about obtaining your license. In Florida, some licenses are offered through a lottery system. This can make some business owners feel like it will be overly difficult to obtain a 4Cop license.

First things first, the lottery is not the only way to obtain your license. As mentioned, 4Cop licenses are transferrable, and this means that there’s a significant resale market, where previous lottery winners sell the licenses that are no longer required for their businesses.

A 4Cop license allows sales of beer, wine, and liquor. This class of license is often used for restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Business owners love this license for the flexibility that is offered. However, because of the lottery system, it can be exceedingly difficult to obtain one.

There is an alternative, in the form of a 4Cop SRX license. This is not based on a quota system and there is no lottery. To qualify for this license, your business must:

• Have at least 2,500 square feet and a maximum of 5,000 square feet of permanent covered space.
• Derive 51% or more of its revenue from food and non-alcoholic beverage sales.
• Always offer a full food menu when liquor is sold.
• Have tables and seating for at least 150 customers.

The SRX license can be applied for at any time. It’s extremely helpful for medium-sized restaurant owners.

If you don’t meet the strict requirements, then you’ll need to purchase a license from a current holder. The process can be complex and time-consuming. Liquor License Outlet is your partner for finding a 4Cop license on Florida’s resale market.

GETTING HELP WITH YOUR FLORIDA ALCOHOL LICENSES

Let’s face it: getting a liquor license is far from the easiest thing in the world, and if you want to get it done quickly, you’re going to need help. Our service can help you to find the right license, whether it is a Florida 4Cop license or a simple Beer & Wine license.

Most importantly, we can help you get the paperwork done right the first time so that you don’t find yourself experiencing unnecessary delays. The time to start your business is now; make sure you do it right! Call us today for the help you need!