The sale of alcoholic beverages is regulated by state and local laws. The Finance Department is responsible for the beer permit application process for the City Beer Board and liquor-by-the ounce licensing.

Beer permit applications are available from the Business Tax Office which handles the administrative process. The beer permit applicant must appear before the Beer Board for consideration of their request for a beer permit. Members of City Council sit as the Beer Board, which meets before the second City Council meeting of each month.

The application process can be lengthy so applicants should apply well before opening their business or purchasing an existing business.

Beer permit privileges are not transferable and a new owner cannot operate under a previous owner's license. Stocking beer (actually holding beer on property you own or operate) without a beer permit is a violation of the beer permit law and could result in denial of an application for a permit.

Applications for a specific Beer Board meeting must be received by the Finance Department by the first of that month due to the many requirements that must be carried out before the application is considered complete and ready for the Beer Board's consideration.

Liquor-by-the-ounce licenses are authorized by the State Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Local businesses will pay the same fee for the local license as their state license. The city will notify the business owner/operator of the need for the city license and the applicable fee once the state has authorized a liquor license.

For information on either a beer permit or a liquor license, call the Business Tax Office at 865-215-2083.