The prerequisites, as well as regulatory requirements for retail liquor licensing, differ from state to state. The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is the state authority that governs, validates, as well as authorizes your liquor store license (ABC).
According to the rules, ABC can reject every retail license positioned (a) within 600 feet of churches and healthcare facilities, or (b) within 600 feet of educational establishments, public playgrounds, and charity youth systems.
It should be noted that simple nearness is not enough to refuse the license. ABC would not issue a retail license except if the candidate can demonstrate that the setup of the site would not conflict with residents’ peaceful enjoyment of the property.
As a result, it is critical to research the place where your company will operate prior to actually starting the application procedure.
Specific licensees cannot be approved under the ABC Law if the site would be on the same street as well as within 200 feet of a property that has been utilized as a school, church, synagogue, or other religious facilities.
This limitation, known as the ‘200 Foot Law,’ applies to just about any retail location where liquor will be marketed for on-premises consumption as well as off-premises consumption. If the 200 Foot Law should apply to a precise area, the Authority has no leeway in granting the new license.
Even though the school or religious community encourages the license’s issuance, the Authority cannot authorize it. The ABC Law limits the authorization of on-premises retail permits if the site is within a 500-foot radial distance of three or more facilities with on-premises liquor licenses.
The ‘500 Foot Law’ pertains to urban centers, municipalities, and villages with inhabitants of 20,000 or more. If the site falls under the purview of the 500 Foot Law, the license cannot be approved unless the Authority determines that it serves the interests of the public.
Legal Requirements for Liquor Stores
The prerequisites, as well as the cost of liquor store licensing, differ from state to state. The basic legal requirements for starting a liquor store in the United States are listed below.
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Off-Licenses
Off licenses permit liquor store managers to market alcoholic beverages. They’re meant to be sold on-site, with clients drinking the alcohol somewhere else. Verify with your state’s alcoholic beverage control (ABC) or enforcement agency to obtain an off-license for a liquor shop.
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Distribution Contract
Liquor store distribution contracts define wholesaler provisions with both a liquor store and resellers including liquor reps. Distribution contracts are required by liquor stores in order to guarantee merchandise deliveries and compliance with distributor demands.
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Independent Contractor Contract
Independent contractor contracts for liquor stores define the provisions that apply between an operator as well as any independent contractors they might hire at any point in time. Once outsourcing or actively recruiting temp employees or distributors; liquor stores must use independent contractor contracts.
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Employment Agreement
Full-time employees’ employment conditions are defined in liquor store employment agreements. You require full-time staff members to accept a liquor store employment agreement so they understand what to anticipate from the job and so your business is protected from certain assumptions.
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Privacy Statement
Liquor store privacy guidelines remind clients about the way you utilize their stored data. When collecting, storing, or distributing user data, liquor stores must follow privacy rules.
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Service Agreement
Terms of Service (ToS) agreements for liquor stores lay out the rules for internet retail. To comply with online orders, liquor store owners must have a Terms of Service in place. Feel free to speak to an Internet Lawyer if you have questions about ToS and online compliance.
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Insurance
There are numerous types of insurance you need to keep both you and your business safe. They include;
- General Liability Insurance: Liquor store general insurance safeguards against third-party negligence claims. In the event of an employee injury or death, liquor store owners must have general liability insurance. A service or tax attorney in your state can assist you in complying with these standards under your state’s small business laws.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance: In most states, workers’ compensation insurance pays for your employee’s medical care if they are injured at your liquor store. Coverage appears to apply regardless of whether the worker caused the accident. Just about all businesses are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance.