What is the application process for an off-premises permit?
Applying for a permit is a multi-step process, but the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is here to answer your questions and provide the forms, information, and assistance you need.
Below is a brief overview of the steps in the application process:
1. Decide what permit you need: Review the permit guides and permit overview list on this webpage, or take our permit identifier quiz to help guide you to the appropriate permit.
2.Begin an online application: Create an e-License account and start an online application for an "OFF-Premise Permit (LIQ-OFF)." Fill out the application and upload the documents required. (Our application instructions contain more information about what documents are necessary.) You will need to obtain signatures from your local town clerk, zoning officer, fire marshal, and health department as part of your application
3. Submit the application: After completing the online application, you will submit it and pay the $100 non-refundable application fee.
4. DCP review and permit fee: Your application will be reviewed by DCP staff for completeness. If there are any issues with your application or the documents submitted, you’ll receive a notice that explains what needs to be fixed. DCP staff will also email you the invoice for your permit fee.
5. Placard and Publication Notice: Once your application is deemed complete, DCP will email you a template for a placard and a publication notice. You must have a placard made that you will post on the curb outside your premises, and you will submit the publication notice to a newspaper that circulates in the same town as your business. It takes about two months to fully complete these steps. These two items notify the public that a liquor permit is pending at your business; members of the public have the right to object to your liquor license.
6. Provisional permit: If you wish to operate with a provisional license, your application will next be submitted for provisional approval by the Liquor Control Commission or their designee. You may use the provisional permit even if your placard and publication notice are not yet completed. If approved, you will be sent a provisional license and may now begin selling and serving alcohol on a provisional basis. If your provisional permit is not approved for any reason, a Liquor Control Agent will be assigned to help you address any concerns. (Note that a provisional permit is optional; you do not need a provisional permit.
7. Liquor Agent review and inspection: A Liquor Control Agent will be assigned to review your application in depth and check for any issues. The Agent will also schedule a time to meet with the permittee and inspect the premises and will check that your placard and publication notice were done correctly.
8. Final approval: Once the Liquor Control Agent determines that your application is complete and your premises are ready for a permit, your application will be submitted to the Liquor Control Commission or their designee for approval. If approved, you will receive your permit and can begin to sell and serve alcohol (or continue to serve alcohol if you have a provisional permit already.) If not approved for any reason, your application will be scheduled for an administrative hearing before the Liquor Control Commission.