ABC | Application Process

Read the application instructions prior to filling out the application and thoroughly review the application packet before submitting to ABC.  You must make a copy of the Application Packet for your records, as this will be necessary for your Public Hearing with the Local Option District.  Please note that all deposited fees are non-refundable.

The application process beginning to end should take approximately 120 – 150 days.  Once your application has been received by the Alcoholic Beverage Control, it is assigned to a Hearing Officer and thoroughly reviewed.  We believe that actively working with applicants offers the best opportunity to achieve our goal.  The following lists the progressive steps of the ABC application process:

1. Preliminary review of application – upon thorough review of your application, if there is anything lacking, you will receive a Notice of Deficiencies, that explains what must be provided to complete your application.  Appointed Representative – If the applicant has submitted authorization with their application that they are represented by an attorney, broker, CPA, etc., your Representative will be contacted on your behalf
2. Posting Request sent to Department of Public Safety – Special Investigations Unit; Your Hearing Officer sends a request and the assigned Agent will contact you directly to post the Certificate at your establishment, which must remain posted for 20 consecutive days, prior to preliminary approval, as mandated by statute
3. Notice of Preliminary Hearing – must be held within 30 days of receipt of your application, as mandated by statute. Your assigned Hearing Officer will send a Notice of Hearing that will include the date and time of your preliminary hearing. The hearing will be conducted in person or telephonically.
4. Notice of Publication – The Applicant is required to publish notice of the hearing, at least 72 hours in advance of your hearing, in a local newspaper of general circulation, which allows the general public to submit letters of support or letters of objection to awarding the liquor license and these comments will then be forwarded to the Local Option District.  Failure to publish notice of the hearing and to provide proof of publication within 48 hours of your hearing date will result in the cancellation and rescheduling of your preliminary hearing.  Applicant is instructed to publish the Notice provided in the legal section for one day. 
5. Notice of Deficiencies – lists the items necessary to correct or complete your application. The listed items in the Notice of Deficient Documents should be provided as soon as possible. Failure to provide documents in a timely manner will delay your applicaiton.  
6. At Preliminary Hearing – This is a public hearing. The application and supporting documentation will be read into the record.  After your hearing, any remaining items should be completed and submitted within 10 days to avoid any delays in processing your application.
7. Issuance of Hearing Officers Recommendations – ​following the closing date of Posting, and review by the Legal department, you may be contacted to to make corrections or to submit additional documentation prior to receiving preliminary approval. Once all primary documents are recieved the Hearing Officer will prepare recommendations and submit the application to the Director for preliminary approval.
8. Review of Recommendations by Director for Preliminary Approval – Once the Director has reviewed the application and the Recommendations, your application will be forwarded to the local governing body in which you propose to conduct business for public hearing.
9. Application forwarded to Local Option District and Public Hearing at Local Option District level – The local governing body is then required to publish notice and to conduct a public hearing before the local governing body within 45 days of receipt.
10. Decision by Local Option District rendered and forwarded to ABC – After your hearing with the local governing body, that governing body has 30 days to provide ABC with their approval or denial.
11. Notice to Applicant of Final Deficiencies and/or Licensing Fee – your hearing officer will contact you about any final documentation or fees needed in order to issue the liquor license. 
12. Final Approval by Director – once your application is complete and payment made, the Director reviews all documents. Once approved, the License is issued and you will receive a packet that includes your Liquor License and all required documents. 

Restaurant License Requirements

If applying for a Restaurant (Beer and Wine) license the business MUST meet the requirements of the Liquor Control Act.  A license cannot be issued to an establishment serving only soups, salads, sandwiches and other fast foods. Note the following requirements:

• A menu must submitted showing hours and days of operation. 
• Only a full service restaurant serving at least three full meals/entrees will qualify for this type of license.
• Must have a commercial kitchen and the employees necessary for preparing, cooking and serving meals.
• Pictures of your establishment are required including the kitchen, prep, dining, alcohol storage and patio areas.
• To qualify for Renewal of a Restaurant License, at least 60% of the gross receipts must come from the sale of food and no more than 40% may come from the sale of alcohol. 
• A Restaurant License is non-transferrable from person to person or from location to location.