To obtain a bartending license in West Virginia, you must comply with the regulations set by the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration's (WVABCA) Licensing Division. You need to be in good standing with the West Virginia State Tax Department, WV Workers' Compensation, WV Unemployment, and WV Secretary of State. Additionally, you must register your business with the WV Secretary of State's Office and complete the application process. You also need to obtain an alcohol server permit as per the House Bill 2169. Lastly, if you plan to serve alcohol at a private fair, festival, or other event, you need to obtain a special license designated Class S2.
1. Comply with WVABCA Licensing Division Regulations
- Purpose: To ensure that you comply with West Virginia law pertaining to the issuance and maintenance of licenses for the handling, serving, and sale of alcoholic beverages.
- Estimated Cost: An Operational Fee of $100.00 must be added for each licensed location. A Reactivation Fee of $150.00 will apply for licensees that renew late.
- Instructions: You need to complete the application, floorplan, and submit all required documents. Mistakes or omissions in the application process may lead to delays in processing an application or renewal. You can contact the Licensing Division between the hours of 8:00am - 5:00pm for information or assistance at 304-356-5500 or ABCA.Licensing@wv.gov.
2. Obtain an Alcohol Server Permit
- Purpose: To legally serve or sell alcoholic liquor or non-intoxicating beer for on-premises consumption at a private club or at a retail dealer's place of business.
- Estimated Cost: The fee for an initial alcohol server permit, and for each renewal alcohol server permit, is $25.00.
- Instructions: You need to apply for the permit as per the House Bill 2169. The permit is valid for employment at any private club or retail dealer for a period of three years, unless sooner suspended or revoked by the commissioner.
3. Obtain a Special License Designated Class S2
- Purpose: To legally sell alcoholic liquors and nonintoxicating beer for on-premises consumption at a private fair, festival, or other event.
- Estimated Cost: You are required to pay a nonrefundable non-prorated license fee of $500.00.
- Instructions: Your event must be sponsored, endorsed, or approved by the governing body or its designee of the county or municipality in which the event is located. You must make an application with the commissioner at least 15 days prior to the event.
FAQs
- Is alcohol server training mandatory in West Virginia? No, alcohol server training is not mandatory in West Virginia, but it is beneficial for servers and staff to have the skills and knowledge presented in the course.
- What is the validity period of the alcohol server permit? The permit is valid for employment at any private club or retail dealer for a period of three years, unless sooner suspended or revoked by the commissioner.
- What happens if I make a mistake in the application process? Mistakes or omissions in the application process may lead to delays in processing an application or renewal.
- What are the operating hours of the Licensing Division? You can contact the Licensing Division between the hours of 8:00am - 5:00pm for information or assistance.
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