How to Get a Bartending License in Arkansas

To obtain a bartending license in the state of Arkansas, you must apply through the Department of Finance and Administration's Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) division. The process involves attending an educational seminar, filling out an application form, and paying a permit fee. The specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the type of permit you are applying for, such as Non-Resident Beer, Suppliers, and Wine Shipping.

1. Attend the ABC Educational Seminar

• Purpose: This seminar provides necessary education and training for bartenders. It is a mandatory requirement before a permit is issued.
• Estimated Cost: The cost of the seminar is included in the permit fee.
• Instructions: The ABC conducts a 4-hour educational seminar twice monthly. You are required to attend this seminar even if you are buying a business with an existing permit.

2. Apply for a Permit to Serve Alcohol

• Purpose: This permit allows you to legally serve alcohol in the state of Arkansas.
• Estimated Cost: The permit fees range from $40.00 to $1,000.00, plus a federal occupational tax of approximately $250.00.
• Instructions: You can request an application packet by contacting the ABC office at 501-682-1105. Fill out the application form and return it with the required fee to the ABC Division at 101 East Capitol, Suite 401, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-3953.

3. Apply for a Specific Permit (if applicable)

• Purpose: Depending on your business needs, you may need to apply for a specific permit such as Non-Resident Beer, Suppliers, or Wine Shipping.
• Estimated Cost: The fee for the Non-Resident Beer permit is determined by the number of barrels of beer and malt liquor you shipped to Arkansas wholesalers during the previous calendar year. The fee structure is as follows: less than 200 barrels costs $350.00, from 200 to 1000 barrels costs $1,000.00, and more than 1000 barrels costs $2,000.00.
• Instructions: Fill out the specific application form and return it with the required fee to the ABC Division at 101 East Capitol, Suite 401, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-3953. The forms for Non-Resident Beer, Suppliers, and Wine Shipping can be found on the ABC website.

FAQs

• Do I need to attend the ABC educational seminar if I am buying a business with an existing permit? Yes, you are required to attend the seminar even if you are buying a business with an existing permit.
• What is the cost of the permit to serve alcohol? The permit fees range from $40.00 to $1,000.00, plus a federal occupational tax of approximately $250.00.
• What if I need to apply for a specific permit such as Non-Resident Beer, Suppliers, or Wine Shipping? You can apply for these specific permits by filling out the respective application forms and returning them with the required fee to the ABC Division.

Useful Information Sources

• Alcoholic Beverage Control
• Applications
• Non-Resident Beer
• Suppliers
• Wine Shipping

Learn more about Local Food Business Trends and Insights

• Food Delivery Trends And Restaurant Insights