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.

Instructions

: Do not sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.
Step 1: Locate the ABC Locate the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control in your state to get a liquor license.
TIP: Obtain a federal liquor license for your retail store only if you are a liquor wholesaler, exporter, importer, or producer.
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.
Step 3: Check zoning regulations Check the local zoning regulations to make sure the sale of alcohol is allowed in the area.
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.
TIP: Hire an expediter to help you through the process of getting state and local approval to sell alcohol in your retail store.
Step 5: Pay taxes Pay any necessary taxes on the sale of alcohol if it is required by your state or local government.
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.
Step 7: Set up the selection Arrange your alcohol selection to fit with your customer's demands, and successfully sell alcohol in your store.
FACT: The world's oldest bottle of whiskey, thought to be at least 150 years old, was sold at an auction for 15 million pounds.