How to get a Liquor License in West Virginia?

To obtain a liquor license in West Virginia, you need to comply with the state laws and regulations as outlined by the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (WVABCA). The process involves registering your business with the West Virginia State Tax Department and the WV Secretary of State's Office, completing the application process, and paying the necessary fees. The type of license you need depends on whether you intend to sell alcohol for on-premise or off-premise consumption.

1. Register Your Business

• Purpose: To legally operate a business in West Virginia, you need to register your business with the West Virginia State Tax Department and the WV Secretary of State's Office.
• Estimated Cost: The cost varies depending on the type of your business.
• Instructions: You can direct your registration questions to the West Virginia State Tax Department via phone at 1-800-982-8297 or visit their local office at 153 West Main Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301 (304-326-0635). You also need to register your business with the WV Secretary of State's Office.

2. Complete the Application Process

• Purpose: This application process is necessary to ensure that you comply with all the state laws and regulations regarding the sale of alcohol.
• Estimated Cost: The annual fees for Class A and Class B licenses vary depending on the type of establishment, ranging from $0.00 to $22,650.00. An Operational Fee of $100.00 is added for each licensed location, and a Reactivation Fee of $150.00 applies for late renewals.
• Instructions: Complete the application, including a floorplan of your location, and submit all required documents. If you're not the property owner, you must provide a copy of a valid lease. License fees must be paid by certified check, cashier’s check, or money order. All retail licenses are valid from the issue date to June 30th of the current licensing period. All applicants must complete a live-scan fingerprinting process. Applicants must also have a $1,000.00 Nonintoxicating Beer Bond and/or a $5,000.00 Alcohol Beverage Control Bond. You must provide a copy of a valid health permit issued in the applicant’s name.

3. Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

• Purpose: You are required by Federal Law to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service and obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
• Instructions: Questions about applying for a FEIN should be directed to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)’s website or via phone at 800-829-4933.

Useful Information Source Links:

• West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration: WVABCA
• West Virginia State Tax Department: WV State Tax Department
• West Virginia Secretary of State's Office: WV Secretary of State
• Internal Revenue Service: IRS

FAQs:

• What are the types of liquor licenses in West Virginia? There are two basic types of licenses: Class A for on-premise consumption and Class B for off-premise consumption. There is also a Class S2 private fair and festival license for the retail sale of alcoholic liquors and nonintoxicating beer for on-premise consumption.
• What are the fees for obtaining a liquor license in West Virginia? The annual fees for Class A and Class B licenses vary depending on the type of establishment, ranging from $0.00 to $22,650.00. An Operational Fee of $100.00 is added for each licensed location, and a Reactivation Fee of $150.00 applies for late renewals. For a Class S2 private fair and festival license, a nonrefundable non-prorated license fee of $500.00 is required.
• What documents are required for the application process? The application package includes several forms such as the Application for Retail License, Release of Information & Waiver of Confidentiality of Records, Alcohol Beverage Control Bond, Floor Plan, and Zoning Form. If you're not the property owner, you must provide a copy of a valid lease. You must also provide a copy of a valid Health Permit issued in the applicant’s name.
• What is the validity period of a retail license? All retail licenses are valid from the issue date to June 30th of the current licensing period. For a Class S2 private fair and festival license, the license is valid for a duration of no more than 10 consecutive days.
• Who can I contact for more information or assistance? You can contact the Licensing Division at 304-356-5500 or ABCA.Licensing@wv.gov.

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