Beer Packaging

Brewery Licensing & Safety Regulations

Starting a brewery is an exciting process, allowing you to pursue your passions of making alcoholic beverages while simultaneously providing you with a profitable business opportunity. There is great potential in owning your own brewery and brewing different types of beer, but the industry is heavily regulated by the government. For this reason, breweries must receive a variety of licenses and follow many safety protocols just to operate. Understanding these legal requirements can be confusing, so if you’re looking to start your own brewery check out our guide to brewery licensing and safety regulations. Looking for supplies and equipment for your brewery? Click below. Shop All Beer Brewing Equipment Use these links to learn more about each aspect of brewery licensing and safety regulations. Commercial Licenses TTB License Brewery Business Plan TTB Bond Liquor License Alcohol Beverage Control Board Federal Food Safety Modernization Act Brewery Health and Safety Regulations What is OSHA? OSHA Compliance Brewery Safety Checklist Commercial Licenses Before you can apply for brewery-specific licenses like a liquor license, you first need to establish your brewery as a legal entity and a business. To do this, there are several commercial licenses that you'll have to apply for and receive. The most important commercial licenses you'll have to acquire for your brewery are listed below: Business License - A business license is a document issued by the government that allows a business to conduct operations. To legally operate as a business, you are required to obtain a business license. EIN - Every business in the United States requires a nine-digit Employee Identification Number for easy tax identification. Seller's Permit - A seller’s permit authorizes your business as a collector of sale’s tax, a requirement if you’re selling alcohol directly to consumers. Trademarks - It's important to trademark the name you choose for your brewery and the names of the beer you plan to make, securing your brewery's brand and its potential products. TTB License The Alcohol and Tobacco Trade and Tax Bureau (TTB) must approve of your brewery’s operations before you are allowed to legally operate. Applying for a TTB license can be long and complicated, as the TTB will sift through all aspects of your brewery before approval. Important documents like financial estimates will be required to be approved. The application process could also include background checks on owners and management, a thorough analysis of the brewery's location, and a review of beer recipes, labeling, and marketing. Applying for this license requires no fee and can be done through the TTB website, but the approval process can take anywhere from a few months to a year to complete. Brewery Business Plan To increase the likelihood of being approved for a TTB license, you should create a business plan that outlines the different aspects of your brewery. While the document doesn’t have to be as extensive as a restaurant business plan, it should still contain critical information that gives insight into your brewery’s future plans and potential success. Some of the most important aspects to include in your brewery business plan are listed below: Executive Summary - Provide a brief overview of your business and outline the information included in your business plan. Company Description - Give a written description of your brewery of your brewery, typically expanded on from the one given in the executive summary. Management and Ownership Structure - Cover what type of ownership structure your brewery will have, as well as what your management will look like. Location - Include the prospective location of your brewery, outlining the advantages of the location and how it fits within government regulations. Employees and Staffing Needs - Outline the number of employees your brewery will need initially, as well as their responsibilities and requirements. Financial Projection and Summary - Provide financial estimates for your brewery, including a break-even analysis. Back to Table of Contents TTB Bond When you are approved for a TTB License, you’ll have to get a TTB bond in tandem. A TTB bond is a type of surety bond, a guarantee that your brewery will pay all taxes the government requires. The bond is a legally binding agreement between three entities: your brewery, the government, and an insurance company that guarantees the bond. Under a TTB bond, the government can make a claim if you fail to pay the required taxes. If you default on your tax payments, initially the responsibility falls on the insurance company that guarantees the bond. However, your brewery will quickly be on the hook for that money on top of any other fees and fines for tax evasion. TTB bonds typically insure an amount somewhere between $1,000 to $50,000 and will require a premium of around 1-15% of the insured amount. Liquor License For breweries looking to open a taproom or take advantage of on-site sales, a liquor license is required. A liquor license gives a business the right to serve alcohol on-site and regulates items such as the type of alcohol a business can sell, the legally allowed ABV of beverages, what time they can sell alcohol at, and what packaging the alcohol is sold in. Each state issues its own liquor license, meaning the scope of liquor licenses varies from state to state. It’s important to research your state’s alcohol laws and understand what type of liquor licenses are required for your brewery. In some cases, individual municipalities and local governments have their own liquor licenses that need to be obtained in addition to state liquor licenses. Applying for a liquor license can be just as long and difficult as obtaining a TTB license, so be sure to apply early in the process of starting your brewery. To get the application process started, contact your state's alcohol control board to properly understand the requirements required for a liquor license. Alcohol Beverage Control Board In the United States, each state has the power to regulate the production, sale, and distribution of alcohol. Due to this, many states have different laws regarding the topic, with some being more strict than others. Each state has its own Alcohol Beverage Control Board, dictating state alcohol laws. Following prohibition, some states sought to continue to regulate some portions of the alcohol industry, leading to the creation of these governing bodies. Before starting your brewery, get in contact with your state’s Alcohol Control Board and ensure you understand all the requirements and regulations your state has regarding the sale of alcohol. Back to Table of Contents Federal Food Safety Modernization Act On January 4th, 2011, President Barack Obama signed the Federal Food Safety Modernization Act into law, placing breweries under the regulation of the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Under this law, alcohol like beer is classified as food items. Breweries are now subject to FDA approval and random FDA inspections to ensure compliance. FDA Inspections Similar to health inspections, failing an FDA inspection has major repercussions, resulting in fines, reputational damage, and disruption of business. To be safe, your brewery should always be prepared for random FDA inspections. Here are a few steps you can take to ensure that your establishment is always ready to face FDA inspection: Keep all important safety documents up to date and easily accessible. Ensure all materials in your brewery are clearly and accurately labeled. Train staff on proper safety and hygiene techniques with frequent refresher courses. Maintain a clean and sanitary environment within all areas of your brewery. Brewery Health and Safety Regulations Due to the heavy equipment and hazardous chemicals required to brew alcohol, many health and safety regulations are in place in breweries. Brewery health and safety regulations are in place to prevent workplace accidents and protect your employees. Understanding these health and safety regulations and OSHA, the governing body that oversees them, is key to creating a safe workplace. What Is OSHA? The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also referred to as OSHA, is a regulatory agency of the United States Department of Labor. The agency was created by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to ensure safe, sanitary, and risk-free working conditions for employees. OSHA helps ensure a safe environment for workers by setting and enforcing workplace regulations and standards, as well as outlining safety training and educational courses for employees. Back to Table of Contents OSHA Compliance To ensure workplaces are safe and reduce accidents for employees, OSHA has a variety of safety regulations in place that workplaces must follow. These regulations are mandatory and most of the private sector must follow them, including factories, restaurants, and breweries. Failure to comply with OSHA regulations results in massive fines or even the complete shut down of your brewery, so compliance is key. In order to ensure your brewery complies with OSHA regulations, here are some of the most common violations that you should look out for: Safety Equipment Brewery employees work with dangerous heavy machinery and hazardous chemicals, so the protection of your employees is key. To ensure your employees are well protected from the potential dangers of working in a brewery, OSHA mandates that employees are provided with the proper protective clothing. Here are some of the most important safety equipment you should outfit your employees with: Hearing Protection - Headphones and other hearing protection is important to protect workers from noise exposure and excessive sound levels from machinery. Eyewear - Employees should wear protective eyewear like safety goggles to ensure eyes aren’t exposed to particles from harmful chemicals and acids. Gloves - To prevent lacerations and chemical burns, brewery employees should wear protective gloves to shield their hands from injury. Masks - Respiratory protection in the form of masks is important, shielding employees from breathing in harmful gasses and vapors. General Duty Clause Under the General Duty Clause of the OSHA Act of 1970, workplaces are mandated to provide an environment that is free of hazards that have the potential to cause serious injury or death. The biggest problem breweries face under this mandate is ergonomic hazards involving lifting and transporting. In a brewery, employees will be required to lift large kegs and heavy sacks of grain, something that is considered an ergonomic hazard under the General Duty Clause. To lessen the ergonomic hazards your employees face from lifting, provide training and refresher courses covering safe and proper heavy lifting techniques. Also, provide employees with the proper machinery and equipment to lift heavy objects so that employees don’t always have to lift heavy objects by hand. Lastly, set your own rules dictating that items over a certain weight need to be handled by either multiple employees or by heavy equipment. Process Safety OSHA has regulations and requirements in place regarding the handling of hazardous chemicals in the brewing process. The Process Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals not only outlines proper handling methods for these items but also requires businesses to keep paperwork and information on each hazardous chemical. Breweries frequently deal with dangerous chemicals like acids and caustics so process safety is important to protect employees and prevent accidents such as spills. Control of Hazardous Energy When heavy machinery like brewery equipment requires maintenance work or repairs, OSHA mandates that the machinery be turned off and disabled. If not disabled, machinery can inadvertently turn on or release hazardous energy, potentially injuring the maintenance crew. OSHA has outlined a procedure know as lockout tagout (LOTO) to ensure that equipment is shut down and inoperable before any maintenance work can be completed. Permit-Required Space Entry OSHA mandates that certain spaces, known as permit spaces, must have special precautions taken before anyone is allowed to enter. OSHA defines permit spaces as confined spaces with the following characteristics: Contains a hazardous atmosphere Has the potential for entrapment or asphyxiation Holds dangerous material such as exposed live wires Spaces with these characteristics always require a permit to enter. Before entry, employees must be aware of all dangers. A permit verifies that all proper steps have been taken to ensure the space is safe for entry and that the proper equipment is being worn by the employee. A permit also outlines the roles of the permitted attendees and provides a step-by-step process for leaving and sealing the space. Once completed, the permit needs to be handed to higher-ups to ensure no changes occurred in the space and to identify any extra measures that need to be taken to protect employees. Brewery Safety Checklist To ensure that your brewery is a safe environment for employees, you should create a brewery safety checklist to follow. Outline important areas to address and work on to mitigate risk and reduce the potential of workplace accidents. Here is a list of ideas that you may want to include on your safety checklist: Emergency Evacuation Plan - Have an emergency evacuation plan in place to protect all employees. Make sure a plan is in place in case of extreme emergency so that every employee knows how to exit the area safely. Ensure that the plan is up-to-date and that employees are trained to know the evacuation plan. Safety Data Sheets - You should keep safety data sheets on all of the hazardous chemicals and liquids you have housed in your brewery. A safety data sheet is a document that lists information relating to the safety risks associated with a material. The information includes how to safely use the material and instructions on what to do in case of an accident such as a spill. Safety Violations Reports - Ensure that there is a direct line of communication for employees to report potential safety violations and hazards without fear of repercussions. An open line of communication between employees and management is key in identifying potential hazards and quickly dealing with them. Employee Safety Training - OSHA regulations require employees to receive basic training, but you can take this a step further. Regular safety training and meetings help to keep employees refreshed on safe workplace practices. Understanding the licensing and safety requirements for breweries is key to running a successful business and avoiding trouble. Although opening a brewery presents an amazing business opportunity, in the U.S the alcohol industry is heavily regulated at both the state and federal level. For your brewery to fully realize its potential, you’ll have to take the proper steps when it comes to licensing and safety, allowing you to avoid legal trouble and create a safe and successful workspace. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.

How to Start a Brewery

Breweries are popular with a variety of customers, whether they're a casual beer drinker, a craft beer enthusiast, or just looking for a place to spend Friday night. As the demand and popularity of beer continues to rise, so does the interest in new breweries. If you’re considering opening a brewery of your own, we’ve compiled a list of steps and tips to help guide you through the process and successfully open your own business. Shop All Brewery Equipment Click any of the tips below to read the section that interests you: Write a Brewery Business Plan Choose a Brewery Concept Determine the Cost of Starting a Brewery Secure Brewery Funding Apply for Permits and Licenses Choose a Brewery Location Buy Brewery Equipment Create a Draft List and Menu Advertise Your Brewery Host a Soft Opening Continue reading to learn about how to open your own brewery! 1. Write a Brewery Business Plan A business plan is one of the most important steps for starting any business. Not only does it act as a roadmap that guides you through the process of opening your business, but it is essential for securing funding from investors. A good business plan includes detailed information on your concept, market, business structure, and financial situation. For additional information on this topic, consider reading our piece on how to write a restaurant business plan. 2. Choose a Brewery Concept Your concept is what defines your brewery. It influences everything from how customers will identify you as a company, to the messaging you target in advertisements, to the type of employees you’ll hire. To identify your brewery concept, you’ll have to choose a name, identify your brand, and determine what type of brewery you want to operate. Naming Your Brewery Choosing a name for your brewery can be a daunting task, not just because there are so many options to choose from, but because your choice will define your company for years to come. As you go through the process of choosing a name for your brewery, keep in mind that a good name will share the following traits: Original: The first and most obvious step in choosing a name for your brewery is making sure that it isn’t already taken. Additionally, be careful not to choose a name that is too similar to an existing name. Not only will this help you to protect yourself and secure a trademark, but it can help to avoid lawsuits from other brands who might think you’ve infringed on their intellectual property. Memorable: Choose a name that your customers will remember. A good starting point is to aim for a name that’s easy to spell and pronounce. Furthermore, choosing a name that rolls off the tongue and is fun to say can help to make your name memorable. Reflective: The name you choose should reflect your company. Try to create a list of what distinguishes your brand from others, or what defines you as a company. For example, if your brewery is located in Boston, you might choose something that reflects the culture of New England Broad: Your brewery’s name should be able to have broad appeal and lend itself to a variety of branding opportunities, themes, and products. Choosing a name that is too specific can limit the number of opportunities you have, and by extension prohibit growth. Identify Your Brand Identifying a brand is an essential part of establishing yourself as a brewery. Your brand can help you to connect with potential customers, identify target markets, hire employees, and strategize the direction of your business. To identify your brand, start by determining your company values. Understanding what matters to your company and employees is a key part of your branding. Once you’ve done this, you can discover your target audience and the emotion behind your products. It’s not enough just to identify a brand and move on. Once you’ve determined your values, key demographics, and emotional impact, you have to make an effort to create continuity. This means following through on your promises and acting in accordance with the values of your company. Doing so will allow you to truly establish yourself in the industry, within the community, and with your employees. Choose a Type of Brewery The increased demand for beer has lead to innovation in the industry, and by extension, a variety of brewery types. Though they differ in size, scale, and impact, each brewery serves a specific function and can be effective given your goals. Nano Brewery: As its name suggests, a nano brewery is the smallest type of brewery. There isn't a set amount of beer that a nano brewery is allowed to produce until they officially scale up to micro-sized. Microbrewery: A microbrewery is defined as a brewery that produces less than 15,000 barrels of beer annually. These types of breweries are typically independently owned, and sell the majority of their products onsite rather than through beer distributors. Brewpub: A brewpub is a hybrid between a restaurant and a brewery. Most of their beer is brewed for the purpose of being sold to customers at their bar. Taproom Brewery: Taproom breweries are professional breweries which sell beer onsite and through distributors, yet don't offer restaurant services to guests. Often times, the taproom will be attached to the brewery itself. Regional Brewery: A regional brewery is defined as a brewery that produces between 15,000 and 6,00,000 barrels of beer per year. Breweries which exceed this level of output are recognized worldwide. Contract Brewing Company: A contract brewing company hires other breweries to produce their beer. The hiring company retains the responsibility of marketing and distributing the beer while the company they've hired is responsible for production and packaging. 3. Determine the Cost of Starting a Brewery Because there are so many different types of breweries, the cost of opening your own can vary quite a bit. Several factors including how much beer you plan on producing, the possibility of serving food and maintaining a dining room, and the size of the property you’ll be operating in can influence the price of your brewery. Below, we've listed the estimated costs of a brewery's various expenses. Brewery Equipment Cost: The amount you pay for brewing equipment ultimately depends on the size of your brewery and whether you buy it new or used. You can purchase brewing equipment with the smallest capacity for $100,000 or less if you buy it used, or pay up to $1 million or more for a brand-new, 30-barrel system. Furniture Cost: Depending on the style and level of quality you're looking for in your brewery, the price of. restaurant furniture in your restaurant can range from as low as $4,000 to as high as $15,000. Rent or Mortgage Payments: When you decide on retail space to operate your brewery out of, take into account how much space you’ll need. It’s essential to have enough space for your utilities and brewing equipment. Additionally, if you plan on operating a taproom, make sure there is enough space for guests to comfortably dine. Regardless, the cost of retail rent is determined by square foot and can range from anywhere from $10/square foot to as high as $30/square foot. What Is the Average Cost of Starting a Brewery? In total, the cost of opening a brewery can range from as low as $250,000 to upwards of $2 million. However, for a standard brewery, it's reasonable to expect that value to fall between the range of $500,000 and $1.5 million. The average cost of opening a brewery is dependant on a number of factors which vary based on your concept, location, needs, and preferences. 4. Secure Brewery Funding A key step in opening your brewery is to secure funding. While you may have money saved up, chances are you’ll still have to seek additional funding. Consider the following options as ways to acquire extra capital and continue the process of opening your brewery: Self-Funding: As was mentioned above, it’s possible to fund your brewery, at least in part, with your own money. However, due to the high cost associated with acquiring equipment, permits, and other expenses, you'll likely have to look for additional funding from outside sources. Investors: One possible source of funding can come through investors. With a good business plan and a strong meeting in which you pitch your plan to an investor or group of investors, they may consider giving you money to fund your brewery. Keep in mind that once they’ve invested, they’ll have a vested interest in your business and will likely want to stay informed. Loans: A variety of loan opportunities exist for people interested in opening a business. Among them are traditional bank loans, small business loans, and equipment loans. Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding is a relatively new yet effective method of securing funding. Websites such as GoFundMe let supporters donate money towards your brewery, allowing you to set funding goals and provide updates on business development. 5. Apply for Permits and Licenses To legally own and operate a brewery, or any business that produces or sells alcohol, you’ll have to apply for a liquor license. Depending on your production and serving needs, you have the option of applying for a limited license, which allows you to sell specific types or quantities of alcohol, or a full license. Cost of Liquor Licenses The cost and availability of liquor licenses can vary depending on what state you live in. In some instances, acquiring a license can cost you as low as $3,000, yet in others, it can cost upwards of $400,000. Additionally, many states require an application fee to be considered for a liquor license. In some states, such as Pennsylvania, there are only a set number of licenses in circulation, meaning that you may have to apply for a transfer or pay higher costs to acquire one. Cost of Restaurant Licenses Since many breweries choose to serve food as well as beer, you may want to investigate the cost of restaurant licenses and permits. A food service license certifies that your business meets all regulations and standards and has been deemed fit to serve food to customers. As with all fees, the amount you have to pay can vary depending on a number of factors. Nevertheless, it's safe to assume the cost will fall somewhere between the range of $100 and $1,000. Back to Top 6. Choose a Brewery Location Choosing a location for your brewery represents a significant investment. Therefore, you must consider a variety of factors to make the best decision for you and your brewery’s future. Consider the following details as you search for a location to start your brewery: Zoning: Your brewery location will be determined by local government zoning regulations. In most cases, breweries can only be located in zones designated for industry. Nevertheless, these regulations can vary depending on where you are, so check in with your local government before making a decision. Brewery Requirements: You won't be able to run a successful brewery if you choose a building that doesn't fit your needs. For example, if you plan on producing a large amount of beer, be sure to find a building where you’ll be able to efficiently carry out production. Building Space: Be sure to find a building that has enough space for you and your staff to comfortably work. Key factors to consider include storage space, space for equipment and machines, and possible dining areas for guests. Additionally, find a building that has adequate parking spots for your employees, guests, and yourself. Safety Precautions: As with any business, the most important thing to consider is safety. Make sure the building you choose will pass safety inspections and allow you to safely carry out day-to-day operations. 7. Buy Brewery Equipment A key step in starting a new brewery is investing in the right equipment and supplies to start brewing beers and serving customers. While the quality and amount of equipment you need will vary depending on the size of your business, there are a few essential categories of equipment and supplies that you'll have to buy before you can get to work. Beer Brewing Equipment: You can't start brewing beer if you don't have the right equipment. Be sure to invest in fermenters, boiling equipment, and brew kettles to make sure you’re ready to start making your own brews! Beer Bottling and Packaging Supplies: Bottling and packaging supplies can help to simplify the packaging process and make sure that every customer is satisfied with their order. Commonly used bottling and packaging supplies can range from equipment such as growler fillers to simple packaging products such as labels and beverage shippers. Keg Tapping, Dispensing, and Serving Equipment: If you plan on serving beer on-site, make sure you invest in your own keg tapping, dispensing, and serving equipment. This can include beer dispensers, tap towers, nitro infuser boxes, and pump keg taps. Refrigeration Equipment: It’s essential to invest in refrigeration equipment to keep your brews cool and refreshing. Depending on the size of your brewery, your refrigeration equipment can range from countertop bottle coolers to walk-in refrigerators. Keg Storage: Keep your brewery organized by shopping for keg storage products. Consider investing resources into keg racks to improve your storage capacity and stay organized. Additionally, purchase hand trucks and drum handling equipment to safely and efficiently transport kegs throughout your brewery. Beer Making Accessories: While they may not be required for the brewing process, beer making accessories can make your brewing experience easier and help you to further customize your brews. Consider buying your own test strips and meters, stock pots, and portion scales to upgrade your brewing experience. Beer Glasses: Keep your brewery stocked with a variety of beer glasses to accommodate any new brews you might plan on introducing. Examples of the different types of beer glasses include Belgian beer glasses, pilsner beer glasses, and IPA beer glasses. Beer Ingredients and Flavorings: Stock your kitchen with a variety of beer ingredients and flavorings to make sure you have everything you need to customize your brews. This includes honey, cocktail bitters, wood chips and chunks, liquid malt extract, and a variety of other products. 8. Create a Draft List and Menu Once you’ve acquired equipment and established what kind of brewery you want to open, you’ll have to create a draft list and menu. A balanced draft list allows your guests to choose from a variety of beers and helps you to showcase your products. Consider keeping at least one of each of these types of beer characteristics on tap: Light: The definition of a light beer varies depending on where you are in the world. In general, it’s described as a pale beer that features has a reduced alcohol content or amount of calories. Additionally, light beers typically feature a lower amount of carbohydrates. Malt: Malt beers often feature a rich combination of flavors, often with a hint of sweetness or nuttiness. Despite what their rich flavors may suggest, malt beers come in a variety of colors and alcohol percentages. Roast: Roasted brews are often dark in color, are made from highly roasted malt grains, and are distinguishable by their rich flavors and deep colors. Common flavors of roasted brews include coffee and cocoa. Tart: Tart brews, as their names suggest, feature a sour, almost acidic taste. While many tart beers are lighter in color, it's possible for them to have medium or even darker shades. Their earthy and sometimes fruity taste differentiate them from other brews. Hoppy: A hoppy beer is defined by it’s prominent sweetness, bitterness, flavor, and aroma. You're likely to get the most intense flavors in hoppy beers, with the most common being pine, herbal, and fruity. High IBU: IBU stands for International Bitterness Units scale, and exists to measure a beer’s bitterness. A beer with a high IBU will be more bitter than one with a lower IBU. High ABV: ABV stands for Alcohol by Volume, and is a standard measurement to assess the strength of a beer. A higher ABV means that your beer is more alcoholic. Brewery Menu When creating your menu, it’s important to choose foods that pair well with beer. Consider adding the following foods to your menu if you plan on serving food in your brewery: French Fries Onion Rings Nachos Wings Mozzarella Sticks Sliders Chips and Dip 9. Advertise Your Brewery Before you open your new brewery, it’s essential to start advertising your new business to increase public awareness and drum up excitement for your grand opening. The cost of marketing can vary depending on which forms you use, but in general, the average small business spends 1-2% of their annual revenue on advertising. Consider using the following forms of advertising as you establish a marketing campaign for your new brewery: Print Advertising Billboards and Signage Radio Commercials Television Commercials Online Advertising Additionally, depending on your location, you may have the opportunity to enter into a beer festival. Events like these allow a variety of breweries to showcase their brews for a large number of people, and often feature music, entertainment, and food. 10. Host a Soft Opening Once everything is in place, it’s time to prepare for your grand opening. Before you officially open your doors to the public, consider hosting a soft opening. Not only does this allow you to continue generating excitement for your new brewery, but it allows you and your staff to prepare for what a normal work day will be like. Though it may seem like an intimidating task, the process of developing and opening your own brewery is possible to complete as long as you have a strong plan, stay prepared, and are ready to work hard. Follow the steps and tips outlined above to guide yourself through the process and successfully open your new brewery! Back to Top The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.

Alcohol Delivery: How to Do It Legally and Effectively

As you establish your alcohol delivery service and prepare to sell alcohol for consumption outside of your licensed premises, use our checklist to make sure you’re establishing an alcohol delivery service that is both legal and profitable. How to Start an Alcohol Delivery Service Check state and local guidelines for what off-premises alcohol sales and consumption rules apply to you. Obtain any required licenses, signage, and delivery tools. Establish a delivery method that meets your state's permssions. If home delivery is allowed, setup an internal delivery system. If you live in one of the few states permitting the use of third-party delivery services for orders containing alcohol, establish a qualifying third-party delivery service partnership. Curate a to-go food menu tailored to the beverages offered on your alcohol delivery and pickup drinks' menu. If applicable, purchase the supplies you need to put your cocktail kits together. Purchase signature steins, pints, growlers, and wine glasses for customers to add to their delivery or pickup order as a way to increase your revenue. While stipulations vary widely, there are recurring trends in the rules for legally offering alcohol delivery and pickup services. We analyzed the most common alcohol delivery rules and broke down the top tips for how to start an alcohol delivery service. Alcohol Delivery Service Menu For restaurants to offer alcohol delivery or pickup services, most states require orders containing alcohol to accompany food. This provides restaurants the opportunity to craft a creative pairing menu. Whether you own a brewery or a fine dining establishment with an extensive wine list, developing a pairing menu to accompany an alcohol delivery order saves money in the long run. Full meals are costly to create and don’t travel well. If your pairing menu is thoughtfully designed, it can even pull in new customers. Here are some ideas for creating an alcohol delivery pairing menu. Charcuterie Board Charcuterie boards are aesthetically pleasing, travel well, and are highly sought after by wine lovers. Fill your charcuterie board with: Cured meats Exotic cheeses Pickled vegetables in unique brines Loaded Fries Make the perfect french fries to pair with your craft beer menu. You can use fries as the base for a variety of toppings. Since they have a mild flavor, fries can be dressed to accompany both your most refreshing sour beer and your heartiest stout. Consider offering the following types of loaded fries: Aioli Fries Truffle Fries Dirty Fries Poutine Garlic Fries Jersey Shore Fries Rosemary Fries Chili Cheese Fries Chips and Dips Tortilla chips and dips pair perfectly with your to-go margarita orders. Ideas of dips to match with various margarita flavors include: Guacamole Queso Salsa Black Bean Dip Open Container Law Affects Alcohol Delivery The majority of states permitting to-go alcohol orders stipulate that the alcohol must remain in its original, sealed container. With a little creativity, you can increase your cocktails' profitability by curating aesthetically pleasing home cocktail kits. Here is how you can sell your signature cocktails without opening any bottles. Cocktail Kit Items: Cocktail Recipe Card Alcohol Bottles Simple Syrup Bottles Your Signature Mix Cocktail Garnishes: Dehydrated Lime Wheels Cocktail Olives Edible Flowers Cherries Candied Ginger Grated Cinnamon Sprigs of Lavender and Thyme Fruit Wedges, Twists, and Slices If your state alcohol laws only allow you to sell wine and beer for off-premise consumption, you can boost your beer and wine delivery service by offering guests the opportunity to purchase signature wine glasses, steins, growlers, or pints. While taking advantage of relaxed liquor laws can help your business weather the pandemic, you must exercise caution. Alcohol delivery provisions vary not only by the state, but often by the county, and the rules are ever-evolving. Check your most current local ordinances before offering these services. Alcohol Delivery Rules and Permissions The rising popularity of fast-casual restaurants and delivery orders primed alcohol delivery as one of 2020’s foodservice industry topics of interest. Then, the coronavirus struck, inducing the greatest number of changes in states’ alcohol laws since the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. Years of pushing through legislative boundaries were eliminated. Instead, alcohol delivery and off-premises consumption exploded in a matter of months. As an economic relief measure, forty-five states made provisions for businesses to sell and deliver alcohol to customers beyond their licensed premises. While most of these provisions are intended to be temporary, many states have already adopted relaxed liquor laws permanently, and others are in the process of doing so. 6/2020 Report of Alcohol Permissions by State: The color by each state’s name indicates the level of clearance each provides for alcohol delivery and pickup orders. Green = a high level of alcohol delivery and pickup permissions granted. Yellow = some alcohol delivery and pickup permissions granted. Red = no alterations in existing permissions have been granted. Begin to build a framework of potential alcohol to-go and delivery opportunities with our report of each state’s overarching off-premises rules and permissions as of June 2020. Keep in mind that alcohol delivery provisions vary not just from state to state, but often from county to county, and alcohol takeout and delivery permissions are ever-evolving due to the coronavirus emergency. We strongly advise that you continually check your most current local ordinances while establishing your alcohol delivery service. Alabama What is Permitted: Takeout and Curbside Pickup of Beer, Wine, and Spirits Alabama businesses licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, as well as those already licensed for off-premises consumption, are allowed to sell alcohol in their takeout and curbside pickup orders. The Fine Print: All alcoholic beverages must remain in their original, sealed container. This permission does not accommodate the sale of mixed drinks or any open containers of alcoholic beverages. Stay up to Date on Alabama's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Alabama's ABC website for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Alaska What is Permitted: Curbside Pickup and Delivery of Beer and Wine Alaska licensees are now able to use curbside pickup and delivery to sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption. The Fine Print: Food must accompany beer and wine delivery orders. Deliveries must be made by a licensed restaurant or eating place establishment. Brewery or winery licensees can make home deliveries of beer or wine sold at retail if the beer or wine accompanies a meal prepared by the licensee or the bonafide restaurant on its premises. A "meal" is defined as food purchased at a retail price of at least 50% of the accompanying alcohol’s retail price. The beer or wine must remain in its original, sealed container. Stay up to Date on Alaska's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Alaska's Alcohol & Marijuana Control for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Arizona What is Permitted: Delivery, Drive-Through, and Pickup Orders of Beer, Wine, and Spirits Arizona licensees are now allowed to sell alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption using delivery, drive-through, and pickup services. The potency of alcohol businesses are legally able to sell varies by their license type. The Fine Print: Series 6 licensed businesses can deliver spirituous liquor in its original, sealed container in quantities that don't exceed 30% of on-sale receipts. Series 7 licensed businesses can deliver beer and wine in its original, sealed container in quantities that don't exceed 30% of the order’s total profits. Series 9 licensed businesses are able to deliver all spirituous liquors in their original sealed containers to Arizona residents. Series 10 licensed businesses are able to deliver beer and wine in their original sealed containers to Arizona residents. Series 18 licensed businesses with an annual production of less than 1,189 gallons of onsite produced spirits are able sell and deliver their spirits in their original sealed containers to Arizona residents. Stay up to Date on Arizona's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Arizona's Department of Liquor for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Arkansas What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer and Wine and Expansions of Licensed Premises Any licensed Arkansas business with an Alcoholic Beverage Control permit is cleared to offer takeout and delivery of beer and wine. The Fine Print: Alcohol deliveries must accompany food. Third-party delivery services cannot make deliveries containing alcohol. Stay up to Date on Arkansas's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Arkansas's Alcoholc Beverage Control for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. California What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer, Wine, and Cocktails All licensed California businesses can sell beer, wine, premixed drinks, or cocktails for pickup and delivery. The Fine Print: The alcoholic beverages must have a secure cap or lid. No openings for straws are permitted. The alcoholic beverages must be sold as accompaniments to a meal. If your restaurant wants to take advantage of this provision, you must post a notice either on your restaurant’s on-site premise or website educating your customers about open container law limitations. You can access a printable version of the notice here. Stay up to Date on California's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check California's Alcoholic Beverage Control for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Colorado What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer, Wine, and Liquor Licensed restaurants bars, brewpubs, and distilleries in Colorado are temporarily allowed to deliver or provide takeout orders of alcohol. Licensed restaurants are permitted to offer beer, wine, and liquor for off-premise consumption. However, breweries or distillery pubs are only permitted to offer the products they manufacture on-site. The Fine Print: Alcohol must remain in sealed containers. Alcohol orders must include food. Stay up to Date on Colorado's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Colorado's Liquor Enforcement Laws, Rules, and Regulations for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Connecticut What is Permitted: Takeout and Curbside Pickup of Beer, Wine, and Liquor Licensed businesses in Connecticut can offer the type of alcohol they are currently licensed to sell for on-site consumption in their pickup orders. The Fine Print: The alcohol must remain in its original, sealed container, thus excluding house made cocktails. The order must also contain food prepared on the licensee’s premises. Stay up to Date on Connecticut's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Connecticut's Liquor Control Division for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Delaware What is Permitted:Takeout and Delivery of Beer, Wine, and Liquor Delware businesses with an on-premise license can offer alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption to customers through takeout or delivery methods. The Fine Print: Alcohol must be sold in a closed container. The revenue gained from the alcohol cannot exceed 40% of the entire order. Stay up to Date on Delaware's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Delaware's Office of ABC for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Florida What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer, Wine and Liquor In Florida, licensed restaurants may sell beer, wine, and liquor in delivery and takeout orders. Florida wineries may also deliver alcohol in sealed containers. However, breweries and distilleries cannot make home deliveries. The Fine Print: Alcohol deliveries must be accompanying food. The alcohol must remain in a sealed container. Stay up to Date on Florida's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Florida's Division of Alcohol and Tobacco for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Georgia What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer and Wine Restaurants with an on-premise retail liquor license can offer wine and beer to go for "off-premises consumption" if they are also selling food. The Fine Print: Liquor cannot be sold for off-premises consumption. Beer and wine must accompany a food order. Sales must take place on the licensed premises. Alcohol must remain in sealed containers. Stay up to Date on Georgia's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Georgia's Alcohol & Tobacco Laws & Regulations for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Hawaii What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer, Wine, and Spirits As an economic relief measure, Hawaii has made temporary allowances for restaurants to provide alcohol delivery and take-out services in accordance with their license class. The Fine Print: All off-premise activities must be conducted within the Class 4 retail dealers permitted hours of business of 6 AM to 12 AM. Permissions vary by class type. Stay up to Date on Hawaii's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Hawaii's Department of Liquor Control for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Idaho What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer and Wine Idaho State Police Bureau of Alcohol Beverage Control has expanded license holders' ability to offer takeout and delivery orders of beer and wine. Previously, wine and beer licensed establishments were able to sell bottles and cans of beer for off-premise consumption. With the updated rules, license holders can increase their offerings to include bottles of wine and beer, kegs, and growlers for off-premise consumption. Additionally, liquor can be sold for pickup when it is packaged in a sealed container, but it cannot be delivered. The Fine Print: The sale of alcohol must occur on the licensed premises (deliveries must be prepaid). Sales must be made using a credit/debit card. The person conducting the transaction must be an employee of the license holder and over the age of twenty-one. The deliverer must be over the age of nineteen. The deliverer and the customer must not exchange any money at the point of delivery. This includes tips, surcharges, gratuities, service charges, or any other fees. At the point of delivery, the deliverer is responsible for verifying that the person receiving the alcohol delivery is twenty-one or older and matches the person listed on the credit/debit card. The verification must be completed through an Idaho Code 23-1013 approved method. Liquor must neither be sold for take out or delivered. Restrictions can vary widely, so the license holder is responsible for checking with their specific city and county's licensing authorities for any additional restrictions. Stay up to Date on Idaho's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Idaho's State Liquor Division for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Illinois What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer, Wine, and Liquor Illinios’ alcohol delivery permissions vary by license type. As a general rule businesses can use their drive-through and curbside pickup services to sell beer, wine, and liquor for takeout. Deliveries of beer and wine can be made using either an in-house delivery service or a third-party delivery service. Liquor sales, including housemade cocktails, can only be delivered by an in-house delivery service. The Fine Print: Alcoholic drinks must be sold during liquor sale hours. Beer and wine must remain in its original container. The list of rules for delivering pre-mixed cocktails are extensive and can be found here. Stay up to Date on Illinois's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Illinois's Liquor Control Commission for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Indiana What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer, Wine, and Liquor In response to the public health crisis and the ensuing financial hardships, the governor of Indiana is allowing businesses with a license to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption to offer carryout orders of alcoholic beverages. Only combined liquor license holders may deliver unopened alcohol to a private home. Restaurants that already have a carryout permit may continue to use it at this time. Additionally, the ATC is required to exclude any alcohol sales made during the public health crisis from the restaurant's gross retail income when determining their eligibility for a carryout permit in the future. The Fine Print: The beer, wine, or spirits must remain in unopened packages. Liquor sales and delivery must occur during approved sales hours. Transactions must occur at the licensed retailers’ location and no cash can be exchanged at the point of delivery. Stay up to Date on Indiana's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Indiana's Alcohol and Tobacco Commission for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Iowa What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Mixed Drinks In Iowa, Class "C" liquor license holders are able to sell beer and wine as well as mixed drinks, cocktails, and margaritas made on-site for carry-out curbside pickup, drive-through, or home delivery without procuring any additional licenses. Additionally, those holding a seasonal/temporary alcohol license and permit can request to have their license and permit fees refunded. The Fine Print for Beer and Wine: The beer and wine must remain in its original, sealed container. The Fine Print for Mixed Drinks: Must be sold in a sealed container with a lid or other securing method. The use of clear plastic or glass cups and jars with lids is strongly recommended. The ability to offer takeout and delivery of mixed drinks doesn't alter open container laws, and the drinks should be transported in the trunk of the motor vehicle. Stay up to Date on Iowa's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Iowa's Alcoholic Beverages Division for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Kansas What is Permitted: Takeout of Beer, Wine, and Liquor A liquor license holder can make "curbside sales" as long as they uphold all existing provisions of the Kansas Liquor Control and the Kansas Club and Drinking Establishment Act. Additionally, if a license holder purchased alcohol for an event that was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they can return the alcohol without violating the federal laws regarding consignment sales or getting the Director's approval. The Fine Print: Licensees are only permitted to offer the beverages they are currently licensed to sell on their premises for carry out. Alcohol sales and physical delivery can only occur within a 50 foot radius of the licensed premises. License holders must establish designated "to-go" pickup areas within 50 feet of their licensed premises' entrances. The provision applies to these license types: retail liquor stores, drinking establishments, class A club, class B club, farm winery, microbrewery, micro distillery and producer. Stay up to Date on Kansas's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Kansas's Alcoholic Beverages Control for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Kentucky What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer, Wine, and Liquor Kentucky’s governor, Andy Beshear, announced that restaurants and bars are allowed to offer alcohol in takeout and delivery orders during the COVID-19 pandemic. An on-premise license holder can sell the beverages they hold a license to sell on their premises for off-premises consumption. The Fine Print: Deliveries of alcohol must accompany a meal and be equivalent to what would normally be consumed at a restaurant when eating a meal; bulk alcohol delivery orders are not allowed. Deliveries can be made by the license holder, a license holder's employee, or an independent contractor so long as the driver is at least twenty years old. The alcoholic beverages must remain in their sealed, original containers. Stay up to Date on Kentucky's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Kentucky's Alcoholic Beverages Control for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Louisiana What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer and Wine In response to the coronavirus, Louisiana's Alcohol and Tobacco Control agency (ATC) is allowing Class A permit holders to sell prepackaged beer and/or wine for drive-through or curbside pick-up. Additionally, any restaurant is now eligible to apply for a permit to begin offering in-house deliveries of beer or wine. The Fine Print: The ATC is not requiring additional permits for curbside delivery/pick-up orders of beer and wine. Those who wish to offer home delivery services of orders containing beer/wine must submit an application to the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. The order applies to all Class A-General (AG) permit holders. The alcoholic beverages must remain in their sealed, original containers. Exceptions include existing drive-through daiquiri shops and restaurants with a conditional use permit. Stay up to Date on Louisiana's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Louisiana's Alcohol & Tobacco Control for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Maine What is Permitted: Specialty Beer and Wine Stores May Offer Curbside Pickup and Delivery Services The state of Maine has declared specialty beer and wine stores an essential business and is allowing them to both remain open and serve customers through social distancing practices including curbside pickup and delivery services. Stay up to Date on Maine's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Maine's Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages & Lottery Operations for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Maryland What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer, Wine, and Liquor Maryland’s governor, Larry Hogan, issued an executive order allowing the delivery of alcohol to off-premise locations and alcohol sales for takeout orders. The beneficiaries of this executive order are more extensive than other states, and include bars, restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, and "other establishments with appropriate license". Limitations on liquor sales are also less restrictive than other states. The Fine Print: The alcoholic beverages must remain in their sealed, original containers. A licensee can only offer takeout and delivery of the type of alcohol they are licensed to sell for on-premises consumption. Stay up to Date on Maryland's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check The Comptroller of Maryland for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Massachusetts What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer and Wine Licensed Massachusetts restaurants can provide beer and wine for both takeout and delivery as a part of a municipal relief bill signed by Governor Charlie Baker on April 3rd. The Fine Print: Alcohol sales must be made alongside food sales. The law permits wine and malt beverages (beer) but does not include hard liquor. Each customer cannot order more than 192 oz. of beer and 1.5 L of wine. Alcohol sales must end at midnight. Stay up to Date on Massachusetts's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Massachusetts's Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Michigan What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Cocktails Initially, restaurants were allowed to offer takeout orders and deliveries of beer and wine to customers' homes. On June 24th, Michigan Legislature approved HB 5811, allowing restaurants and bars in the state to sell cocktails to-go and for delivery in sealed containers with distinct logos showing they were made by a licensed establishment. The Fine Print: The state is in the process of establishing designated "social districts". A social district will be an outdoor area where people can go to drink alcoholic beverages at safe distances not often afforded in a restaurant setting. Whether the to-go beverages (particularly cocktails) can be consumed in a designated social district or at home varies by county. Stay up to Date on Michigan's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Michigan's Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Minnesota What is Permitted: Remains Unchanged Minnesota has not provided the restaurant industry relief in the form of relaxed to-go alcohol sales and delivery service regulations. Establishments with an off-sale license to sell alcohol are permitted to continue selling alcohol off-premises. Stay up to Date on Minnesota's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Minnesota's Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement website for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Mississippi What is Permitted: To-Go Wine and Cocktails In response to the coronavirus, Mississippi is allowing restaurants to sell single, sealed bottles of wine to-go when it accompanies a to-go food order. Additionally, restaurants with the appropriate license in a Leisure and Recreation District (LRD) are permitted to sell mixed drinks in to-go food orders for curbside pick-up. Cities Located in LRDs: Bay St. Louis Tupelo Ridgeland Jackson Gulfport Biloxi Ocean Springs Brandon Clinton Diamondhead D'Iberville Hattiesburg Laurel Long Beach Moss Point Natchez Pascagoula Pass Christian Vicksburg Stay up to Date on Mississippi's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Mississippi's Alcoholic Beverage Control for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Missouri What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer, Wine, Spirits The Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control is temporarily allowing licensed bars and restaurants to include packaged alcoholic beverages in customers curbside and drive through pick-up food orders. There is discussion of making this temporary permission permanent. The Fine Print: The customer must be ordering food to accompany the alcoholic beverage. A dated receipt for the alcoholic beverage must be given to the customer. The alcohol must remain in a sealed container classified as a one-time-use, tamperproof, transparent bag, or a container whose opening is sealed with tamper-evident tape. Stay up to Date on Missouri's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Missouri's Alcohol & Tobacco Control for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Montana What is Permitted: Montana is Making No Provisions. Montanta has not taken any economic relief measures in the form of relaxed alcohol delivery and to-go rules. Stay up to Date on Montana's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Montana's Department of Revenue for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Nebraska What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Mixed Drinks Licensed restaurants in Nebraska are able to include beer, wine, and spirits in their takeout and delivery food orders as a part of governor Pete Ricketts executive order to provide relief to restaurants and bars during the COVID-19 emergency. Additionally, the temporary sale of mixed drinks in take-out orders is permitted as an economic relief measure. The Fine Print: Class A license holders are able to sell beer in takeout and delivery orders. Class 1 license holders can sell beer, wine, and spirits to accompany food take out and delivery orders. As an additional relief measure, restaurants and bars are now given 90 rather than 30 days to pay for wine and spirit deliveries for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, beer deliveries must still be paid upon delivery. Stay up to Date on Nebraska's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Nevada What is Permitted: Varies Widely Nevada's alcohol delivery and curbside pickup permissions varies by the county and even the city. For example, Clark and Henderson counties are allowing restaurants providing curbside pickup orders to sell alcohol with meals. Unsurprisingly, the city of Las Vegas has been the most responsive Nevada city, allowing its restaurants to not only offer curbside pickup orders containing alcohol but make deliveries as well. Las Vegas is issuing a 30-day Time-Limited Alcohol Delivery permit allowing businesses with current alcohol and food licenses to offer alcohol with food deliveries. The permit can be renewed in accordance with the ever-evolving restrictions placed on businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. The Las Vegas Fine Print: The city is waiving the daily fee and only charging a $100 processing fee for each 30 day Time-Limited Alcohol Delivery permit. The permit is only applicable to commercial locations. Businesses are limited to delivering the type of alcohol they hold a license for. Alcohol delivery items must remain in their manufacturer's sealed containers. The person delivering an order containing alcoholic beverages is responsible for confirming that the person who receives the delivery is twenty one years old. An employee making alcohol deliveries must have a current alcohol awareness card and a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police work card. If the person making the delivery is the owner or a key employee who is already registered with the city, they do not need a work card. However, they are still required to have an unexpired alcohol awareness card. Delivery and curbside permits must be applied for separately. Stay up to Date on Nevada's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Nevada's Alcoholic Beverage Control for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. New Hampshire What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer and Wine Just two days after bars and restaurants were mandated to close their dining areas, licensed restaurants received the ability to sell beer and wine with takeout and delivery food orders. The Fine Print: The emergency order benefits restaurants that already have a license for on-premise alcohol consumption. Deliveries of alcohol must also include food. The permit is only applicable to commercial locations. The beer and wine must remain in its original container. Spirits and cocktails are not cleared for off-premises consumption. Stay up to Date on New Hampshire's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check New Hampshire's Liquor Commission for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. New Jersey What is Permitted: Expanded Licensed Premises, Cocktails To-Go, and Alcohol Delivery and Takeout Services Appropriately licensed restaurants and bars are permitted to include alcohol in their takeout and delivery services. Licensees holding a retail consumption permit can apply for an expansion of their on-premises permit, allowing them to expand their licensed area to their nearby property. Liquor license and permit terms have been extended until Sept. 20th, 2020 to relieve economic hardships. The Fine Print: Alcohol takeout and delivery services must be conducted during regular business hours. To-go cocktails must be sold in containers of no greater than 16 oz. with tamper-evident seals. No one one is eligible to transport alcoholic beverages on behalf of a licensee unless they have an ABC Transit Insignia or a valid ABC transportation permit. Stay up to Date on New Jersey's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check New Jersey's Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. New Mexico No Permissions Granted New Mexico has not taken any economic relief measures in the form of relaxed alcohol delivery and to-go rules. Stay up to Date on New Mexico's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check New Mexico's Alcoholic Beverage Control for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. New York What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery of Beer, Wine, and Spirits Any establishment holding an on-premises liquor license is permitted to sell the same alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption as their on-premise license permits them to sell. To-go orders containing alcohol can either be picked up for carryout or delivered. The Fine Print: The alcohol must be sold in its sealed, original container. There are no size restrictions. The sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption must accompany a food order. Alcohol delivery orders can be made through either a permitted third-party delivery service or a vehicle that is owned and operated by the licensee and/or their employee. A copy of the permit/license must be kept in the vehicle making the delivery. Stay up to Date on New York's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check New York's State Liquor Authority for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. North Carolina What is Permitted: An Extension of Licensed Premises and Wine and Beer for Takeout and Delivery Appropriately licensed retailers in North Carolina are permitted to temporarily include additional outdoor seating areas in their licensed premises to accommodate for social distancing. Extended Licensed Area Fine Print: Applications for a temporary extension do not need to be submitted to the ABC Commision. If the extension isn’t covered by a deed or lease, the license holder needs to get written permission from their properties’ owner. License holders must also get the approval of their local government entity and notify their ALE agent, District ALE office, or local law enforcement prior to extending their permitted area. To not violate open carry laws, alcoholic beverages must remain within the visibly marked off, extended area. One of the exterior walls of the licensed premises must be part of the extended area. Those who hold a license allowing them to sell beer and wine on their premises may sell beer and wine for carry-out, drive-through orders, and delivery. Beer and Wine To-Go and Delivery Fine Print: Beer and wine must remain in the manufacturer’s original container. Beer and wine can be delivered to a vehicle parked in either a parking space or the curb adjacent to the licensed premises without requiring extended licensed area measures. Stay up to Date on North Carolina's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check North Carolina's ABC Commission for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. North Dakota What is Permitted Varies Greatly City-to-City Some North Dakota cities, such as Fargo, are permitting curbside pickup, to-go, and alcohol delivery, but the majority are not. If you are a North Dakota license holder, your safest course of action is to check with your local legislation. Stay up to Date on North Dakota's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check North Dakota's Alcoholic Beverage License Page for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Ohio What is Permitted: Curbside Pickup, Drive Through, and Delivery of Beers Wines and Spirits As an economic relief measure, Ohio is permitting licensed restaurants to sell beer, wine, and spirits for off-premises consumption through a variety of methods. The Fine Print: The delivery order must be made by the permit holder or their employee. The alcohol must accompany a meal. There is a two drink per meal limit. Alcoholic beverages must remain in their original, sealed containers. There is a 2 oz. of spirituous liquor limit per container. Businesses offering this service must have a Department of Health food service license issued at their local level. Stay up to Date on Ohio's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Ohio's Department of Commerce for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Oklahoma Permanent Adoption of Alcohol Delivery and Curbside Pickup Permissions On May 21st, Senate Bill 1928 made the initially temporary relaxation of the ABLE Commission’s rules permanent. Now, properly licensed restaurants and bars will continue to offer alcohol for delivery and curbside pickup. Additionally, retail spirit license holders will be able to continue offering curbside pickup and delivery of alcoholic beverages. The Fine Print: Deliveries must be made by the licensee holder and their employees; no third-party delivery services allowed. Grocery/convenience stores and restaurants are permitted to offer curbside and delivery of wine and beer but not spirits. Liquor stores can offer curbside and delivery of wine, beer, and spirits. Stay up to Date on Oklahoma's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Oklahoma's ABLE Commission for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Oregon What is Permitted: Extended Hours of Same Day Delivery While home deliveries were already allowed in Oregon, the hours for same-day alcohol deliveries have been extended to 2:30 AM. Additionally, to ease economic hardships, qualified licensees can apply for a “90-day Authority To Operate” with an Off-Premises Sales license. Those holding an off-premises license/a license with off-premises sales privileges with same-day delivery approval are permitted to offer malt beverages, wine, and cider for curbside pickup orders and deliveries. The Fine Print: Businesses are required to use an e-commerce operator. Stay up to Date on Oregon's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Oregon's Liquor Control Commission for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Pennsylvania What is Permitted: The Sale of To-GoPrepared Mixed Drinks While bars and restaurants with the proper permit could already sell beer and wine for takeout, the state of Pennsylvania has expanded its to-go alcoholic beverage provisions amidst the COVID-19 emergency. Bars, restaurants, and hotels with a liquor license may temporarily sell mixed drinks to-go. The Fine Print: The provision applies to bars, restaurants, and hotels that have lost 25% of their average monthly sales due to the coronavirus emergency. The provision is set to expire once the emergency has ended and the business has reached 60% capacity. Prepared beverages and mixed drinks must be between 4 and 64 oz. and include liquor and at least one mixer combined on the licensed premises. To-go drinks must be sold in sealed containers with secure caps or lids which prevent consumption unless they are removed. Licensees must begin verifying the age of anyone appearing under the age of 35 using a transaction scan device. The mixed drinks can be sold to-go between the hours of 7 AM and 11 PM Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays from 9 AM to 11 PM if the licensee possesses a Sunday sales permit. Drinks sold to-go must not be consumed on the licensed premises. A meal doesn't have to accompany the to-go drinks nor is there a limit on the number of drinks a customer can purchase to-go. Stay up to Date on Pennsylvania's Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Pennsylvania's Liquor Control Board for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Rhode Island What is Permitted: Takeout of Beer, Wine, and Spirits In response to COVID-19, Rhode Island restaurants holding a class B license are permitted to sell alcoholic beverages with take-out food orders. Delivery is not permitted. The Fine Print: Alcohol orders must accompany food. Restaurants are limited to two bottles of wine and 144 oz. of beer per order when they remain in their original, factory sealed containers. Restaurants can repackage alcoholic beverages into containers that are sealed in a way that prevents reopening/is tamper-evident. When doing so, the amounts are limited to 144 oz. of draft beer, and 72 oz. of mixed beverages containing no more than 9 oz. of distilled spirits. Stay up to Date on Rhode Island’s Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check the State of Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. South Carolina What is Permitted: Takeout Beer and Wine A South Carolina business with an on-premise liquor license can deliver beer or wine to a customer’s vehicle at a designed pickup station for off-premise consumption. The Fine Print: The customer must be verified as sober and of drinking age. The beer or wine must remain in its original, sealed container. Holders of retail beer and wine permits who are delivering food items to a customers’ home cannot bring beer or wine to accompany their food items to the customer’s home. Alcoholic liquors are prohibited for both curbside delivery and pickup. Stay up to Date on South Carolina’s Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check the South Carolina's Department of Revenue for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. South Dakota No Special Permissions Have Been Made Businesses in possession of an off-sale delivery license are permitted to use theirs, but no laws have been adjusted to help with the economic hardships imposed by the coronavirus. Stay up to Date on South Dakota’s Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check the South Dakota's Department of Revenue for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Tennessee What is Permitted: Wine, Beer, and Spirits for Carryout and Delivery Restaurants that are licensed as full-service and wine-only are permitted to offer alcohol appropriate to their license type in delivery orders and for carryout. The Fine Print: Alcohol deliveries must be made during the typical business hours designated by law for your business’ type. Wine and beer can be sold by the bottle but not spirits. Individual servings of spirits, wine, and beer can be sold. Repackaged alcoholic beverages must be delivered in containers that would require them to be unpackaged to be consumed. Alcohol carryout and delivery orders cannot be sold as stand-alone items; they must be accompanied by food. Stay up to Date on Tenneessee’s Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Tennessee’s Alcoholic Beverage Commission for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Texas What is Permitted: Most Licensed Businesses Are Able to Provide Takeout and Delivery in Accordance with Their Permit Type When it comes to alcohol delivery, Texas is a progressive state which already offers a series of permit options allowing businesses to provide alcohol for off-premise consumption. Check with your local licensing requirements and obtain the appropriate license for your business type. All establishments receiving over 51% of their gross receipts from alcohol sales were forced to close their doors to customers. However, on June 26th, they were allowed to begin offering delivery and takeout services, including alcoholic beverages. The Fine Print: The rules vary widely by permit type. Check the TABC’s coronavirus updates to see which rules apply to you. Stay up to Date on Texas’s Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Texas’s Alcoholic Beverage Commission for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Utah Utah is Making No Exceptions to their Existing Alcohol Rules The state of Utah has taken no steps to mitigate the hardships COVID-19 has inflicted on the hospitality industry in the form of relaxed liquor laws. Stay up to Date on Utah’s Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Utah’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Vermont What is Permitted: Delivery and Curbside Pickup Orders of Beer, Wine, and Spirits In Vermont, 1st, 2nd, and 4th class liquor license holders can offer takeout orders and deliveries of any alcohol product they are licensed to sell on their premises without a delivery permit. The Fine Print: The deliverer must be eighteen years old and Board certified to sell alcohol. Deliveries must be made to a physical building/residence. An inspectable log of deliveries must be kept. The alcoholic beverage does not need to remain in its original container. Stay up to Date on Vermont’s Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check Vermont’s Department of Liquor Control for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Virginia What is Permitted: Curbside and Delivery Orders of Wine and Beer Under new adjustments, the state of Virginia is allowing businesses with strictly on-premises alcohol sales permits to sell wine or beer in sealed containers for pickup at a designated area or make deliveries to customers' homes. Those with off premises-privileges such as breweries and wineries are also able to offer curbside and delivery services. The Fine Print: Alcoholic beverages must remain in sealed containers. Third-party delivery services must have a written contract with the vendor specifying terms before they make alcohol deliveries. Stay up to Date on Virginia’s Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check with Virginia's Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Washington What is Permitted: Curbside and Delivery Orders of Wine, Beer, and Spirits In Washington, licensees holding a Spirit, Beer, and Wine or Restaurant, Beer, and Wine license are allowed to make curbside pickups and/or deliveries of alcohol according to their license type. The Fine Print: For curbside orders, alcohol must remain in its factory sealed bottle, and the business can only serve the type of alcohol permitted in their annual license. For delivery orders, the delivery of bottled spirits must be accompanied by food. Deliveries of beer don’t have to remain in their original container if the beer was ordered in an amount of less than 4 gallons. Orders of beer exceeding 4 gallons, bottles of wine, and spirits must all be delivered in their factory sealed bottles. Stay up to Date on Washington’s Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. West Virginia What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery Orders of Beer and Wine West Virginia restaurants and bars licensed to provide beer and wine on their premises can offer takeout and delivery orders of beer and wine for off-premise consumption. The Fine Print: Delivery orders of beer and wine must be a part of a take-away food order. The beer and wine must remain in its sealed, original container. Third-party delivery services cannot be used to make deliveries containing alcohol. Liquor bottles or mixed alcoholic beverages are not included in these permissions. Distilleries are not permitted to make home deliveries at this time. Stay up to Date on West Virginia’s Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check with the West Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Administration for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Wisconsin What is Permitted: Varies Greatly by Municipal Ordinance While what is permitted in Wisconsin varies by municipal ordinance, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue issued Emergency Order #8, allowing certain liquor license holders the ability to provide carry-out orders of alcoholic beverages in their original, sealed containers. The Fine Print: Varies greatly, check with your individual municipal ordinance. Stay up to Date on Wisconsin’s Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. Wyoming What is Permitted: Takeout and Delivery Orders of Beer and Wine Businesses with a Restaurant or Bar & Grill liquor license are temporarily granted the ability to sell a limited amount of beer and wine for off-premises consumption through take-out and curbside pickup from the licensed businesses’ location. The Fine Print: Alcohol delivery and takeout sales must accompany food sales. Alcohol quantities are limited to 1500 mL of wine and no more than 72 oz. of beer. Alcohol must remain in its original, sealed container. Alcohol sales cannot be discounted. Stay up to Date on Wyoming’s Alcohol Delivery and Takeaway Permissions Check with Wyoming's Department of Revenue for the lastest alcohol delivery and takeaway permission news and your local guidelines. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.