How to get a Liquor License in Hawaii?

Obtaining a liquor license in the state of Hawaii is a highly-regulated process that may take up to three months or more. The process involves submitting an online application, scheduling an interview with a licensing officer, submitting required documents, attending a preliminary hearing, mailing notices to nearby property owners, scheduling inspections, and paying the annual license fee. The process varies slightly depending on the county, with specific instructions for Honolulu.

1. Submit an Online Application

• Purpose: To initiate the licensing process and schedule an interview with a licensing officer.
• Estimated Cost: $52.50 (Application fee of $50.00 plus an online service fee of $2.50.)
• Instructions: Visit the County of Hawaii Liquor Control's online service to submit your application. You will need to provide preliminary information about your business.

2. Schedule an Interview

• Purpose: To determine the type of liquor license that best suits your business and provide you with a checklist of required documents.
• Instructions: After submitting your online application, a licensing officer will contact you to schedule an interview. This can be done in-person or over the phone.

3. Submit Required Documents

• Purpose: To provide necessary information for the licensing officer to write a report for the Liquor Commission.
• Instructions: You will need to submit a notarized application form, a copy of your current Hawaii State Tax Clearance or Hawaii Compliance Express (HCE) Vendor Compliance Certificate, a copy of your current DCCA Annual Report, proof of liquor liability insurance, and payment of the renewal fee. The Tax Clearance Application, Form A-6, can be downloaded from the Department of Taxation’s website.

4. Attend a Preliminary Hearing

• Purpose: For the Liquor Commission to hear your application and decide whether to proceed to a public hearing.
• Instructions: The Licensing Officer will invite you to a preliminary hearing after all required documents have been submitted. If your application is not denied at this stage, a public hearing will be scheduled.

5. Mail Notices to Nearby Property Owners

• Purpose: To inform property owners within 500 feet of your business premises about your application.
• Instructions: Prior to the public hearing, you will be required to mail notices to property owners within 500 feet of your business premises.

6. Schedule Inspections

• Purpose: To ensure your business premises meet all necessary regulations.
• Instructions: You will need to schedule inspections with multiple agencies before your public hearing.

7. Pay the Annual License Fee

• Purpose: To finalize your liquor license application.
• Estimated Cost: Ranges from $150.00 to $1,200.00 depending on the class of license issued.
• Instructions: After passing the final inspection from required agencies, you will need to pay the annual license fee. The $50.00 application fee paid at the start of the process will be applied to the cost of the license.

Useful Information Source Links:

• County of Hawaii Liquor Control's online service
• Department of Taxation’s website
• Honolulu Liquor Commission

FAQs:

• How long does it take to get a liquor license in Hawaii? It may take up to three months or more to get a liquor license in Hawaii.
• How much does it cost to get a liquor license in Hawaii? The application fee is $50.00 plus an online service fee of $2.50. The annual license fee ranges from $150.00 to $1,200.00 depending on the class of license issued.
• What documents do I need to submit to get a liquor license in Hawaii? You will need to submit a notarized application form, a copy of your current Hawaii State Tax Clearance or Hawaii Compliance Express (HCE) Vendor Compliance Certificate, a copy of your current DCCA Annual Report, proof of liquor liability insurance, and payment of the renewal fee.
• What is the process to get a liquor license in Honolulu, Hawaii? In Honolulu, you need to apply for a Certificate of Registration (Liquor Card) from the Honolulu Liquor Commission. The process includes submission of application, review of application and proposed licensed premise, investigative process and compliance, preliminary hearing, public hearing, conditions of licensing, and issuance of license.

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