It’s no secret that liquor licenses are hard to come by. In most US states, getting a liquor license is arduous and often competitive. But what about in Indiana?
How does one go about getting a liquor license in Indiana state?
The first step in getting a liquor license is to contact the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. After contacting them, you’ll need to fill out an application form, pay the application fee and wait for ATC’s decision. If everything goes well, you should receive the liquor license within 10-12 weeks.
This step-by-step guide will help you get your liquor license in Indiana as quickly and efficiently as possible. Let’s get started!
- Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission
- 7 Easy Steps To Get Your Liquor License in Indiana
- 1. Decide the Type of Liquor License You Need
- 2. Check if Your Business Is Eligible for a Liquor License
- 3. Complete the Liquor License Application Form
- 4. Submit the Required Documents Along With the Application Form
- 5. Pay the Application Fee
- 6. Attend a Hearing, if Required
- 7. Wait for the Decision of the Liquor Board
- The Bottom Line
Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission
The Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) is responsible for issuing liquor licenses in the state of Indiana. The ATC is responsible for regulating the alcohol and tobacco industries in Indiana.
Its purposes include:
- To regulate and limit the manufacture, sale, possession, and use of alcohol and alcoholic beverages
- To control the sale, possession, and distribution of tobacco products
You can contact ATC via their website, phone, or email.
Now, let’s move forward to the steps one needs to take per ATC’s requirements for getting a liquor license.
7 Easy Steps To Get Your Liquor License in Indiana
If you are planning to launch or have already established a business in Indiana selling liquor, you’ll need to obtain a liquor license from the ATC.
The process of getting a liquor license in Indiana can be completed in seven easy steps, which are as follows:
1. Decide the Type of Liquor License You Need
The first step is determining which liquor license best suits your business. Indiana has more than 50 types of liquor licenses. However, they can be grouped into three main types depending on the nature of your business.
- Retail Dealer’s License
- Wholesale Dealer’s License
- Licensed Dispenser’s License
If you plan to sell liquor to the public, you will need a Retail Dealer’s License. If you intend to sell liquor to other businesses, you should apply for a Wholesale Dealer’s License.
And finally, if you want to serve liquor at your establishment (e.g., bar, restaurant, etc.), you will need to get a Licensed Dispenser’s License.
You can contact the ATC for guidance if you are unsure about which type of liquor license you need.
2. Check if Your Business Is Eligible for a Liquor License
Not every business is eligible for a liquor license in Indiana. The ATC has set forth specific requirements that businesses must meet to qualify for a liquor license.
Some of the general conditions are as follows:
- The company must comply with all local ordinances.
- The business must not be within 100 feet of a school, church, or public park.
- The business must have a valid Certificate of Authority from the Indiana Secretary of State.
- The business owner must not have any outstanding tax liabilities to the state of Indiana.
- The age of the business owner must be 21 years or older.
- All the staff and employees should have gone through mandatory alcohol training to serve the liquor.
- The business owner must not have any felony convictions.
You can check the ATC website for a complete list of the requirements.
3. Complete the Liquor License Application Form
Once you have determined that your business is eligible for a liquor license, the next step is to complete the application form. The ATC recommends applying for a permit at least 90 days before the date you intend to distribute alcohol. The application form can be found on the ATC website.
The application form must be completed in full and signed by the business owner. All the required documents must be attached with the application form.
4. Submit the Required Documents Along With the Application Form
Now you are finally ready to apply. Make sure you have the following documentation along with your application form.
- Your employer ID number from the IRS
- Alcohol tax permit
- Health permit
- Your proposed menu
- Food handlers permit
- Your sales tax permit
- A zoning permit from the local zoning commission
- Certificate of incorporation
- Music permit
- Outside photos of your bar
- And a copy of the building title etc.
Bartenders and wait staff who physically serve drinks also need an employee license.
5. Pay the Application Fee
The final step is to pay the non-refundable application fee, which varies from $100-$200. The license fee can also be paid depending on the situation. It ranges from $1000-$2000 annually.
The payment should be made by check or money order and payable to the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. Now that you have completed all the steps, you must wait for your liquor license to be approved.
6. Attend a Hearing, if Required
After the ATC has received your application, they will conduct an initial review. If everything is in order, your application will be forwarded to the local licensing board for further consideration.
The local licensing board will then hold a hearing to determine if your business should be granted a liquor license. You will be notified of the hearing date, time, and location. You or your representative must attend the hearing.
At the hearing, you will be allowed to present your case about why you should be granted a license. After the hearing, the local licensing board will decide and notify you of the results.
7. Wait for the Decision of the Liquor Board
Scrutiny from the liquor board is high during the hearing process. The board will decide whether or not to grant you a liquor license based on several factors. These factors include the testimony given at the hearing, the needs of the community, and whether or not there have been any objections to your application.
If the board decides to grant you a license, you will be notified in writing within 10-12 weeks from drafting the application. The written notice will include the type of license that has been granted as well as any conditions that have been placed on the license.
Congratulations, you are now the proud owner of a liquor license in Indiana!
The Bottom Line
Getting a liquor license in Indiana is a process that takes several months. But if you follow the steps outlined above, you will eventually be granted permission to serve alcohol at your business. Remember, the ATC website is an excellent resource for more information on how to get a liquor license in Indiana.
