How to Sell Alcohol in a Retail Store
Get the good times rolling at your retail store. Get a liquor license and start selling alcohol.
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You Will Need
- Liquor license
- Broker
- National and regional liquor sales numbers
- Federal license (optional)
- Expediter (optional)
Steps
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Do not sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.
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Step 1
Locate the ABC
Locate the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control in your state to get a liquor license.
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Obtain a federal liquor license for your retail store only if you are a liquor wholesaler, exporter, importer, or producer.
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Step 2
Ask about eligibility
Ask the Alcohol Beverage Control office for eligibility requirements, and provide the office with the necessary information and materials. Requirements can even include taking a beverage server training course.
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Step 3
Check zoning regulations
Check the local zoning regulations to make sure the sale of alcohol is allowed in the area.
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Step 4
Buy a liquor license
Buy an existing liquor license through a broker. Shop around to various brokers to find one with the most experience in buying and selling licenses.
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Hire an expediter to help you through the process of getting state and local approval to sell alcohol in your retail store.
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Step 5
Pay taxes
Pay any necessary taxes on the sale of alcohol if it is required by your state or local government.
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Step 6
Get information on potential customers
Contact national and regional alcohol suppliers to get information on what potential customers in your area prefer to drink.
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Step 7
Set up the selection
Arrange your alcohol selection to fit with your customer's demands, and successfully sell alcohol in your store.
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The world's oldest bottle of whiskey, thought to be at least 150 years old, was sold at an auction for 15 million pounds.
