How to Get a Liquor License in Missouri

Missouri restaurants, bars, and liquor stores benefit from some of the most business-friendly liquor licensing laws in the country. In May 2023, the state removed a law requiring liquor cards for individuals serving alcohol in bars or restaurants, making it easier for hospitality businesses to hire staff.^[1]KCUR. “Kansas City repeals ‘ridiculous’ liquor permit rule long hated by bar and restaurant workers.”Accessed January 24, 2025 Still, while individuals serving alcohol no longer need liquor cards, businesses selling alcohol require the correct liquor license.

There are various liquor licenses available to Missouri businesses, so it’s critical to understand the ins and outs of applying for liquor permits before you begin the application process. This guide explores liquor license types, requirements, how to get a liquor license, and other related topics. Let’s get started!

Types of Missouri Liquor Licenses

Missouri beer, wine, and liquor licenses vary depending on various factors, such as the type of alcohol your business sells and whether it’s for on-premises or off-premises consumption. For the purpose of this guide, we’re focusing on retail liquor licensing, meaning liquor licenses used by restaurants, bars, liquor stores, and other venues selling alcohol to consumers. Missouri has five classes of retail licensing: By Drink, Package, Temporary Retail, Other Retail, and Secondary Retail. Let’s explore some of the most popular retail liquor licenses in Missouri:

Beer By the Drink License (Beer – Includes Sunday Sales)

The Beer By the Drink License is for businesses selling “beer by the drink” for on-premises consumption between 6:00 AM and 1:30 AM, seven days per week.

Retail By the Drink License (Spirits, Wine, and Beer)

This Retail By the Drink is for businesses selling spirits, wine, and beer “by the drink” for on-premises consumption between 6:00 AM and 1:30 AM, Monday through Saturday. This permit does not allow Sunday sales — you must get a secondary license if you want to sell on Sundays with this license.

Package Liquor (Includes Spirits, Wine, and Beer)

The Package Liquor License is for businesses selling spirits, wine, and liquor in their original packaging for off-premises consumption. You must get a secondary license to sell packaged alcohol on Sundays.

Beer Original Package License (Includes Sunday Sales)

The Beer Original Package License is for businesses selling beer in its original packaging for off-premises consumption. Sunday sales are available with this license.

Other Missouri Retail Liquor Licenses

Note that some niche licenses may not be included in this list.

What type of liquor license do I need?

The license required by your business depends on various factors, including the type of alcohol you want to sell, the days you want to sell alcohol, your business type, and whether you want to sell alcohol for on-premises or off-premises consumption. For example, if you want to start a liquor store that sells beer, wine, and spirits, you need a Package Liquor (Includes Spirits, Wine, and Beer) License. To start a bar that sells beer, wine, and spirits, you need a Retail By the Drink License (Spirits, Wine, and Beer) License. Explore the full list of licenses on the Missouri Department of Safety (Alcohol and Tobacco Control) website.

Liquor License Requirements for Missouri

While the exact requirements for a liquor license may differ depending on the license type your business applies for, most license applications involve the same details. Let’s explore the requirements for a Retail By the Drink License (Spirits, Wine, and Beer) License:

• Business structure type (LLC, partnership, etc.)
• Business details (legal name of entity, DBA, physical location, mailing address, etc.)
• License type
• Details of all partners, sole owners, or managing officers
• The additional documents on the checklist provided on the Missouri ATC website.

Applicants also need to fill out a lengthy questionnaire, including questions about existing licenses, the ownership of the premises, details about the business’s proximity to schools, and other related queries.

Other necessary permits

Missouri has a range of secondary licenses for retailers wanting to conduct activities outside their license’s standard remit. For example, there is a Sunday License specifically for businesses wanting to extend their hours of operation to Sundays. Likewise, there are extended hours permits and other licenses for businesses wanting to sell outside normal operating hours. You can find a full list of secondary licenses on the Missouri ATC site.

In addition to secondary licenses, your business may require location-specific permits. Make sure to check with your municipality to determine if any local licenses are required to operate a business or sell alcohol.

Understanding Liquor Laws in Missouri

Missouri is known for its flexible liquor laws. There are few restrictions on the types of stores that can sell liquor, so even gas stations and other retail outlets often have full liquor licenses. However, there are still some laws you must understand before you begin selling alcohol in the state:

• You must have the correct liquor license to be able to alcohol to customers.
• You must only sell alcohol to individuals 21 and older.
• You must be 18 to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption, and a supervisor must be present if you are not 21.
• You must be 18 to serve alcohol for on-premises consumption, but you must be 21 to be the bartender.
• You cannot sell alcohol to an intoxicated person (or someone who appears intoxicated).
• Commercial establishments found to have served an intoxicated person who injures someone else may be held liable for the injuries.

Keep updated with Missouri’s latest liquor laws to avoid financial or criminal penalties.

How Much Does a Liquor License Cost in Missouri?

So, how much is a liquor license in Missouri? Liquor licensing fees in Missouri vary depending on the license, but overall, they’re affordable compared to many other states. Check out the retail liquor licensing fees below:

When Do Missouri Liquor Licenses Expire?

Liquor licenses in Missouri expire on June 30th, but unlike many other states, which make you pay for the entire licensing fee if you apply after the annual renewal date, state liquor license fees are prorated. In the first year of obtaining a license, you will only pay for the months until the June 30th renewal date. For example, if you obtain a Retail By the Drink License (Spirits, Wine, and Beer) in September, you will only pay $250 for the first year, not $300.

How to Apply for a Liquor License in Missouri

To apply for a liquor license, fill out the retail application form on the Missouri ATC website and ensure it’s notarized. Next, write a Cashier’s Check or Money Order with the license fee amount made payable to the Missouri Director of Revenue. Now it’s time to collect the following documents to submit along with your application:

Submit all the documents, your application, and licensing fees to the local Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control in your area. You can find a full list of local offices and a checklist of application requirements on the Missouri ATC site. After you submit your application, you must put a public notice on your business for 30 days — during this time, authorities will assess your application.

How to Renew Your Missouri Liquor License

Fortunately, you can renew your liquor license online. The renewal window opens each year on March 15th. Once the renewal window opens for your liquor license, you can renew it on the Missouri ATC website.

Getting a Beer and Wine License in Missouri: Closing Thoughts

With Missouri making a name for itself as a friendly state for liquor licensing, nothing should stop you from obtaining the permit you need to start or expand a business. Use the steps outlined in this guide to begin your liquor license application process. The sooner you start applying, the quicker you’ll obtain a liquor license, enabling your business to sell liquor, wine, and beer to the more than 4 million consumers over 21 in the state!^[2]Census Reporter. “Missouri” Accessed January 24, 2025.

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