How to Get a Bartending License in Minnesota

To obtain a bartending license in Minnesota, you must secure a Caterer's Permit with Alcohol or a Liquor - On Sale License, depending on your location within the state. This permit allows you to serve alcohol at catered events and is issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division. The process involves several steps, including holding a valid retail on-sale intoxicating liquor license at a restaurant, complying with all liquor laws, and obtaining necessary insurance coverage. The permit fee is $300.00, and the processing time is approximately 30 days.

1. Obtain a Retail On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License

• Purpose: This license allows the sale of liquor by the glass for consumption on the premises where sold. It is a prerequisite for obtaining a Caterer's Permit with Alcohol.
• Instructions: You must already hold a valid retail on-sale intoxicating liquor license at a restaurant. The specific process and requirements may vary depending on your location within Minnesota.

2. Apply for a Caterer's Permit with Alcohol

• Purpose: This permit allows you to serve alcohol at catered events.
• Estimated Cost: $300.00.
• Instructions: Complete the application form for the Caterer's Permit, which can be found on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's website. Attach the following documents to your application form: a copy of your valid on-sale intoxicating liquor license, a copy of your valid restaurant license issued by the local Health Department, a certificate of liquor liability insurance that states “off premises coverage included”, and a $300.00 check or money order payable to the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division.

3. Obtain Necessary Insurance Coverage

• Purpose: Liquor liability and workers compensation insurance are mandatory for obtaining a Caterer's Permit with Alcohol.
• Instructions: Obtain a certificate of liquor liability insurance that states “off premises coverage included” and a certificate of workers compensation insurance. These must accompany your application for a Caterer's Permit with Alcohol.

4. Notify Local Authorities

• Purpose: As the licensee, you are required to notify the city police chief or county sheriff before any catered events take place in their jurisdiction.
• Estimated Cost: No cost.
• Instructions: Notify the local licensing and law enforcement authorities before catering events. The specific process and requirements may vary depending on your location within Minnesota.

FAQs

• What is the cost of a Caterer's Permit with Alcohol in Minnesota? The permit fee is $300.00.
• How long does it take to process a Caterer's Permit with Alcohol in Minnesota? The processing time is approximately 30 days.
• What insurance coverage is required for a Caterer's Permit with Alcohol in Minnesota? Liquor liability and workers compensation insurance are mandatory. A certificate showing off premises coverage must accompany your application.
• What happens if my on-sale license is canceled or suspended? If your on-sale license is canceled or suspended, it also invalidates the caterer's permit.
• Who can I contact for more information about obtaining a bartending license in Minnesota? For more details, you can contact a DSI Project Facilitator at 651-266-8989, or email the DSI Message Center at dsiomplaints@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

Useful Information Source Links

• Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division: Application for Caterer's Permit
• Minnesota Dept. of Health: Food, Beverage and Lodging License and Minnesota Certified Food Protection Manager

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