To obtain a liquor license in the state of Kentucky, you need to apply through the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control's licensing division. The application process is conducted online through the department's eServices portal. The department reviews applications for various license types to ensure compliance before granting final approval. If you're registering a new brand, the department uses an online brand registration system known as Kentucky PRO (Product Registry Online). For businesses located in Lexington-Fayette Urban County, there are additional local requirements to be met.
1. Register on the Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Control Portal
- Purpose: To apply for a liquor license, you need to register on the Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Control Portal. This is the first step in the application process.
- Instructions: Visit the Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Control Portal and register your business. If you already have a license and need to renew it or submit a request for your currently-licensed business, you can also do so from this portal.
2. Complete the Kentucky State ABC License Application
- Purpose: This is the main application for obtaining a liquor license in Kentucky. It needs to be completed and submitted online.
- Instructions: After registering on the portal, complete the Kentucky State ABC license application. You can refer to the User Guide For License Applicant for assistance in the process.
3. Register Your Brand (if applicable)
- Purpose: If you're a producer/supplier or wholesaler/distributor, you need to register your brands sold in Kentucky using the online brand registration system known as Kentucky PRO (Product Registry Online).
- Instructions: Access the Kentucky PRO system via the Kentucky Distributor/Wholesaler Access to PRO or Product/Supplier Access to PRO links on the website’s portal.
4. Additional Requirements for Lexington-Fayette Urban County (LFUCG)
- Purpose: If your business is located in Lexington-Fayette Urban County, there are additional local requirements to be met.
- Instructions: Complete the local application forms, pay the LFUCG ABC licensing fees, obtain the necessary signatures on the LFUCG ABC Final Inspection Form, and provide a diagram/floor plan of your establishment. More information can be found on the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government’s website.
Useful Information Sources:
- Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Control Portal
- User Guide For License Applicant
- User Guide For Agent Solicitor
- User Guide For Local Admins
- Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government ABC Information
FAQs:
- Can I submit a paper application for a liquor license in Kentucky? No, paper applications and checks are no longer accepted by the Department. All applications must be submitted online through the Kentucky Alcoholic Beverage Control Portal.
- How can I check the status of my brand registration? You can check the status of a submitted or pending brand registration through the ABC Online Portal.
- What are the additional requirements for obtaining a liquor license in Lexington-Fayette Urban County? In addition to the state requirements, businesses in Lexington-Fayette Urban County must complete local application forms, pay the LFUCG ABC licensing fees, obtain the necessary signatures on the LFUCG ABC Final Inspection Form, and provide a diagram/floor plan of their establishment.
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