Get Your Alcohol License In Georgia: A Guide

If you want to sell alcohol in Georgia, you'll need to obtain a license. The specific license you need will depend on your business type and location within the state. For example, if you're in Cobb County, you'll need to apply for a Cobb County Alcoholic Beverage License for each location in the county. If you're in Hapeville, you'll need to apply for an Alcohol Beverage License through the city. The state of Georgia also has its own licensing requirements, which can be completed through the Georgia Tax Center (GTC). It's important to make sure you're on an official state website before sharing any personal information.

Alcohol license requirements

Firstly, it is important to determine the appropriate type of license. Different types of licenses are available, such as a retail license, a wholesaler/distributor license, or an alcohol server's permit. The type of license needed depends on the nature of the business and its activities related to alcohol.

Next, applicants must ensure they are applying to the correct jurisdiction. Mailing addresses do not always indicate the jurisdiction where the license should be obtained. It is recommended to contact the specific city or county licensing office to determine the correct jurisdiction. For example, in Cobb County, the Cobb County Business License Division can provide assistance.

Once the jurisdiction is confirmed, applicants can proceed to obtain and complete the necessary application forms. These forms may be available online or from the relevant licensing office. In some cases, a mandatory appointment may be required to submit the completed application. The application process may also involve a background investigation, tax clearance, and fingerprinting.

Along with the application, certain documentation is typically required. This can include personal identification, such as photographs and consent forms for the licensee and any shareholders with a significant stake in the business. For businesses operating as LLCs or INC, registration with the Georgia Secretary of State and the appropriate documentation are usually necessary.

Additionally, applicants should be aware of any applicable fees. There may be administration fees associated with submitting the application, as well as license fees that must be paid before the application can be approved.

Finally, establishments with an alcohol license are generally required to submit periodic tax reports. These reports vary depending on the type of establishment and may be due monthly or quarterly. It is important to stay compliant with these reporting requirements to maintain the alcohol license in good standing.

How to apply

To apply for an alcohol license in Georgia, you must first ensure that you are applying for the correct type of license. There are different licenses for different types of businesses, such as a Cobb County Alcoholic Beverage License, a Wholesaler/Distributor License, or an Alcohol Handling Permit.

Cobb County Alcoholic Beverage License

If you are applying for a Cobb County Alcoholic Beverage License, you must first download an application form and schedule a mandatory appointment. You can call (770) 528-8691 to schedule your appointment. The application and all attachments must be legibly printed in black or blue ink, and the licensee must be at least 25 years of age. You will need to provide two 2"x2" photographs of each licensee and stockholder with 20% or more shares, along with personal statements and consent forms for the licensee and their spouse, and each stockholder and their spouse with 20% or more shares. Applications are accepted from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and you must bring your application to the Cobb County Business License Division at 1150 Powder Springs Rd. Suite 400 Marietta, GA 30064.

Wholesaler/Distributor License

If you are applying for a Wholesaler/Distributor License, you can find more information about the process on the Georgia Department of Revenue website.

Alcohol Handling Permit

If you are applying for an Alcohol Handling Permit, you must first ensure that your establishment has an approved Alcohol Beverage Application and that all license fees have been paid. Employees can then apply for an Alcohol Handling Permit at the Hapeville Police Department located at 700 Doug Davis Drive.

General Advice

Regardless of the type of license you are applying for, it is important to ensure that you are on an official state website before sharing any sensitive or personal information. State of Georgia government websites and email systems typically end in "georgia.gov" or "ga.gov." You can also call 1-800-GEORGIA to verify that a website is official. Additionally, you may need to undergo a background investigation, tax clearance, and fingerprint process, so be sure to contact your local licensing authority to receive the additional requirements for obtaining a local alcohol retail license.

Necessary documents

To apply for an alcohol license in Georgia, you must ensure you have all the necessary documents. The specific requirements may vary depending on the county and the type of license you are seeking. Here is a detailed list of the necessary documents you will generally need:

• Completed Application Form: You must complete the appropriate license application form, which can typically be downloaded from the official county or state website. Ensure that the application is legibly printed in black or blue ink and that all sections are filled out. In Cobb County, for example, you can download the application form or pick it up from the Business License Office.
• Business Registration: If your business is an LLC or INC, you must register with the Georgia Secretary of State and provide the receipt or certificate with your application packet.
• Verification of Business Location: Confirm that your business is located in the county you are applying for the license in. Mailing addresses may not always indicate the correct jurisdiction. Contact the specific city or county's Business License Office for assistance in determining the correct jurisdiction.
• Zoning Verification: Take your application to the Zoning Department to verify that your business activity can be conducted at the designated address. In Cobb County, the Zoning Division is located in the same building as the Business License Office.
• Photographs and Personal Statements: Submit two 2"x2" photographs of each licensee and stockholder with 20% or more shares, along with their personal statements.
• Consent Forms: Include consent forms for the licensee and the licensee's spouse, as well as each stockholder and their spouse with 20% or more shares.
• Tax Reports (if applicable): If you are in Hapeville, GA, and already hold an Alcohol Beverage License, you must submit the required tax reports by the specified deadlines. These include monthly excise tax reports for liquor sales and quarterly reporting of food and alcohol sales.
• Administration Fee: Some jurisdictions, like Hapeville, require a non-refundable administration fee of $200 to be paid at the time of submitting the application.
• Background Investigation, Tax Clearance, and Fingerprint Process: Certain licenses may require additional documentation, such as a background investigation, tax clearance, and fingerprint process. Contact your local licensing authority to receive specific requirements for obtaining a local alcohol retail license.
• Alcohol Handling Permits: In Hapeville, all employees who dispense, serve, sell, or handle alcohol must apply for an Alcohol Handling Permit at the Hapeville Police Department after the establishment's Alcohol Beverage Application has been approved.

Remember to carefully review the requirements for the specific county and license type you are applying for, as there may be additional documents or steps needed to complete your application. Always verify that you are using official government websites ending in ".gov" to access the necessary forms and information.

License renewal

Alcohol license renewal season in Georgia is from the first business day in September through December 31 of each year. Renewal applications must be submitted before November 1 to ensure that the renewed license is received before January 1 of the following year.

Where to Submit

Renewal applications can be submitted online at the Georgia Tax Center, or in person at the Cobb County Business License Office, 1150 Powder Springs Street, Suite 400, Marietta, GA 30064. Renewal packets can also be mailed to Cobb County Business License Office, P.O. Box 649 Marietta, GA 30061.

Required Documents

The following documents are required for the renewal application:

• Completed renewal packet, signed by the licensee on file and notarized
• Supporting documentation for annual gross receipts
• Affidavit indicating actual food and alcohol sales for the past 12 months (for Sunday Sales Pouring Permits)
• Copy of Property Deed or Lease Agreement
• Proof of citizenship (if the file copy has expired): send a copy of birth certificate and valid driver's license if a U.S. citizen; send a copy of residency card (front and back) and copy of valid driver's license if a legal permanent resident
• Two 2"x2" photographs of each licensee and stockholder with 20% or more shares submitting personal statements
• Consent forms for the licensee and licensee's spouse, and each stockholder and their spouse with 20% or more shares
• Copy of permanent residence card or naturalization certificate (if applicable) for the licensee(s), stockholders with 20% or more ownership, and their spouses

Alcohol permits

Firstly, it is important to determine the type of alcohol license or permit needed. Georgia has different licenses for retailers, wholesalers, distributors, brokers, importers, and servers. Each type of license has its own set of requirements and application processes. For example, a retailer license is required for any business selling alcohol products directly to consumers, while a wholesaler/distributor license is needed for those distributing alcohol to retailers.

Once the type of license is determined, applicants must gather the required documentation. This typically includes completing the appropriate license application form, which can often be found on the website of the relevant county or city licensing authority. Some common documents that may be required include the business license, tax registration, zoning verification, personal identification, and background check information. It is important to note that applications must be submitted in person and that appointments are typically required.

In Cobb County, for instance, applicants for an Alcoholic Beverage License must schedule an appointment with the Cobb County Business License Division and submit their completed application along with all required attachments. Similarly, in Hapeville, applicants must submit their completed application and supporting documents to the City Clerk's Office and pay an administration fee of $200. Additionally, all employees who will be handling alcohol in Hapeville must obtain an Alcohol Handling Permit from the Hapeville Police Department.

It is worth noting that alcohol licenses and permits need to be renewed periodically. The renewal period for alcohol licenses in Georgia typically runs from the first business day of September through December 31st of each year. To renew a license, applicants can do so online through the Georgia Tax Center (GTC). Renewing before November 1st ensures that the renewed license is received before January 1st of the following year.

Overall, obtaining an alcohol permit in Georgia requires careful attention to the specific requirements of the county and city in which the business is located. Applicants should consult the relevant local and state government websites to ensure they are complying with all necessary regulations and guidelines.

Frequently asked questions