What is an on-premises permit?
On-premises liquor permits allow your business to sell and serve alcoholic beverages to customers while they remain inside your business. Examples of on-premises locations include restaurants, bars, movie theaters, hotels, and bowling alleys. We have 26 types of on-premises permits, although the most common types of on-premises permits are the Restaurant Permit, the Restaurant Wine and Beer Permit, and the Café-Bar Permit.
(Note: These permits are intended for businesses; if you are a nonprofit or other noncommercial entity needing a permit for a fundraising event or auction, please visit our information page for the temporary noncommercial permit.)
Do I need an on-premises permit?
Yes, you must have a permit if you want to sell beer, hard cider, wine, or spirits to your customers for consumption inside the premises. It is a criminal offense to sell alcoholic beverages without a permit.
How long does the application process take?
It takes DCP about 3 to 4 weeks from receipt of a completed application to issue a provisional permit. It takes DCP about 3 months to issue a final permit. Any issues with incomplete applications or not completing the placard and publication notice correctly will result in delays.
How much does a permit cost?
The cost depends on the type of permit you want. All fees below include a $100 non-refundable application fee.
How do I know what type of on-premises permit type to apply for?
Before applying, review the Liquor Control On-Premise Permit List to learn the description and requirements for each type. The most common permit types are listed first. You can also take the permit selector quiz. We guide you through on and off-premises permits to help you select the right permit for your business.
Can I hold more than one permit at a time?
If an individual member of your business holds a permit, they may be forbidden from holding another type of permit. Please review our Exclusion Grid which lists all our permits and identifies what other permit types you can hold at the same time. An “X” indicates that you may hold both at the same time.