How to get a Liquor License in North Carolina?

Obtaining a liquor license in North Carolina involves a process regulated by the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control (NC ABC) Commission. The process includes identifying the type of permit you need, scheduling an appointment with the NC ABC Commission, and submitting your application. The permit types vary depending on the nature of your business, such as retail establishments like restaurants and hotels, or commercial businesses like breweries and distilleries.

1. Identify the Type of Permit Needed

• Purpose: To ensure you apply for the correct permit based on your business type.
• Instructions: Visit the NC ABC Commission's website to identify the type of permit you need. If you see the permit you want, answer “YES” to reveal more information and applicable forms. If you don't see the permit you want yet, answer “NO” to keep looking through the other permit types. Once you find your permit type and have verified that it's the one you want, then follow the instructions on the forms. Each form has specific instructions for you to complete. You can start the process of finding your permit and applying here.

2. Schedule an Appointment with the NC ABC Commission

• Purpose: To review your application packet with a permit specialist.
• Instructions: Schedule an appointment with the NC ABC Commission for review of your application packet. Appointment times are Monday-to-Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Each applicant is limited to one appointment slot per day. You can schedule an in-person permitting appointment here.

3. Submit Your Application

• Purpose: To apply for the identified permit.
• Instructions: Applications for these permits can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the ABC Commission. If you're visiting the ABC Commission, you need to be seen by a permit specialist. If you do not have an appointment, you may leave your completed permit application packet with the receptionist or in the drop-box at the front of the Commission to be reviewed by a permit specialist. If issued, the temporary permit will be emailed to you.

Useful Information Source Links

• NC ABC Commission Contact
• Online Scheduling
• Applying for Permit

FAQs

• What types of permits are available? Retail permits are issued for restaurants, hotels, private clubs, grocery stores, convenience stores, or similar retail establishments. Commercial permits are issued to qualified wholesalers, wineries, breweries, distilleries, or similar businesses for activity that includes the manufacturing, producing, and packaging of malt beverage and wine products.
• How can I contact the NC ABC Commission for more information? You can reach them through their main number at (919) 779-0700. If you have specific questions about the permit, you can call (919) 948-7941. You can also send them a fax at (919) 662-3583 or email them through their website at NC ABC Commission Contact.
• What is the process for scheduling an appointment with the NC ABC Commission? The commission is seeing applicants in-person, by appointment only, for review of retail, commercial, and one-time application packets. Appointment times are Monday-to-Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm. You can find available appointment times on their website.

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