How to Get a Liquor License in Oklahoma

Once you know which liquor license is most appropriate for your business, it’s time to begin the application process. If you have questions about which license is best for your business, contact the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission at (405) 521-3484. Next, you must apply for a Certificate of Compliance before applying for a liquor license — this is a requirement regardless of the license you’re obtaining. There is no cost for the certificate.

Once you obtain a Certificate of Compliance, fill out the general application, which you can find online. To finish applying for an Oklahoma liquor license, you must head to the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission application website to submit your application. This process involves registering for an account if you don’t already have one. Applications are no longer accepted via mail.

Types of Oklahoma Liquor Licenses

If you’re searching for an Oklahoma liquor license, there is a range of different licenses available depending on the setting where you sell alcohol and the type of alcohol available at your business. While understanding the details of all available liquor licenses is important, two liquor licenses, in particular, are most popular with Oklahoma business owners. Let’s explore both in more detail below:

Beer and Wine Retail License

If your establishment plans to sell beer and wine (and no liquor) to customers, it requires a beer and wine retail license. This license is essential if you want to sell beer or wine products to customers legally.

Liquor Retail License

On the other hand, if your business wants to serve hard liquor in addition to beer and wine, it requires a liquor retail license.

Let’s explore the names of some other lesser-known liquor licenses in Oklahoma (some of these may be applicable to your business if you don’t run a standard alcohol-related enterprise):

Employee License

While it’s the business’s responsibility to obtain the correct liquor licenses for the premises, it’s also critical for employees handling alcohol to have the proper licenses. Employee licenses ensure individuals selling alcohol understand the rules and regulations within the state.

Special Event Liquor License

If your business serves alcohol at events, there is a special liquor license you must obtain. Each “event” your business hosts may last up to ten days, and you can host multiple events, depending on which license you obtain. There are currently two licenses available for special events in Oklahoma: an annual license and a quarterly license.

What type of liquor license do I need?

The liquor license your business requires depends on various factors, including the type of alcohol you plan to sell and the type of business you’re operating. While the four licenses listed above are the most popular licenses to apply for, there are many other niche licenses for specialist alcohol businesses. For example, there are licenses for brewers, wine wholesalers, manufacturers, and more. Make sure to check out the complete list online to ensure you are applying for the license most suitable for your business type.

Liquor License Requirements for Oklahoma

One of the biggest hurdles businesses face when applying for an Oklahoma liquor license is the documentation required alongside the application. Preparing in advance to ensure your business has all the relevant documentation is essential to avoid delays or application failures. Below, let’s explore the requirements for the primary liquor licenses in the state:

Certificate of Compliance
State-issued ID (such as a driver’s license)
Core business details, such as DBA, contact details, etc.
Information about business type
Immigration affidavit (if applicable)
Core contact details of business owner or agent, such as address, phone number, email address, etc.

Other necessary permits

Your business will need a Certificate of Compliance to apply for a liquor license. This certificate verifies zoning, health, and safety codes for your premises. While the state of Oklahoma issues the liquor licenses that are already mentioned, some cities may have their own rules. For example, Oklahoma City has its own alcohol regulator with additional licensing requirements. Additionally, many cities or local authorities require region-specific business licenses or tax numbers regardless of whether you serve alcohol, so always double-check what your local government requires.

Understanding Liquor Laws in Oklahoma

Operating an alcohol-related business requires you and your staff to be aware of Oklahoma alcohol laws. Not understanding the state’s liquor laws may lead to financial or criminal repercussions. While it’s always important to check the most recent liquor laws on the ABLE website, let’s explore some of the most crucial laws to consider when operating a business in the Oklahoma alcohol industry:

Alcohol can only be sold to individuals 21 and over
Alcohol cannot be sold to intoxicated individuals (intoxication includes other drugs)
Alcohol cannot be sold to anyone adjudged mentally deficient
No intoxicated individual is allowed to remain on a licensed premise
No licensee or employee should be under the influence of alcohol during on-duty hours in a store, at an event, etc.
You must display license information on the premises
You must not obstruct a request to enter licensed premises from an employee of the Oklahoma ABLE Commission (this law also includes other peace officers)

Be sure to read the complete list of liquor laws on the Oklahoma ABLE Commission website before submitting your liquor license application. Laws are subject to change.

How Much Does a Liquor License Cost in Oklahoma?

An Oklahoma liquor license’s cost depends on the license type your business needs. Below, let’s explore the pricing information for the most popular Oklahoma liquor licenses:

Retail spirits: $905
Retail beer: $500
Retail wine: $1,000
Brewpub: $1,005
Brewer: $1,250
Small brewer: $125
Beer distributor: $750
Wine and spirits wholesaler: $3,000

To find an updated complete list of liquor license prices, please visit the Oklahoma ABLE website.

How to Apply for a Liquor License in Oklahoma

As previously discussed, applying for a liquor license in Oklahoma is straightforward if you have the required documentation. First, decide which license you would like to apply for. Next, apply for a Certificate of Compliance from the state of Oklahoma (the certificate is free). Once you receive your certificate, download the general application and complete it. To finish applying, head to the Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement (ABLE) Commission application website, create an account and finalize the application. Also, ABLE no longer accepts applications via traditional mail, so you must create an online account to link to your license application — this is due to ABLE bringing out a new online licensing portal at the start of 2022.^[2]ABLE Commission. “New Licensing Software Coming Soon!” Accessed September 11, 2024.

How to Renew Your Oklahoma Liquor License

Unfortunately, business liquor licenses expire after a year, so you must renew your license if you want to continue selling and serving alcohol to customers. The renewal process is very similar to the application process. Head to your online ABLE account and begin renewing your license. Fortunately, some licenses are cheaper after their initial year, so your liquor license may cost less when you renew it.

Getting a Beer and Wine License in Oklahoma: Closing Thoughts

Two merchants celebrating getting their Oklahoma liquor license with drinks and confetti.

With more than 2.3 million consumers in Oklahoma over the age of 21, there are plenty of opportunities for businesses to enter alcohol-related industries in the state.^[3]Infoplease. “OK Demographics Statistics.” Accessed September 11, 2024. If your business plans to sell beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages to customers in Oklahoma, it’s critical to obtain the correct licenses. Not doing so can result in severe financial and criminal penalties, as well as put your business in jeopardy. Fortunately, by using the steps outlined in this guide, your business can obtain the licenses it requires to operate legally.

Another hurdle many food and beverage businesses face is obtaining restaurant payment processing services. As alcohol is a regulated industry, many merchant service providers steer clear of offering services to alcohol-related businesses. Fortunately, there are merchant account providers providing services specifically geared toward businesses selling alcoholic beverages. Partnering with an experienced alcohol merchant account provider offers numerous benefits. These include lower processing rates, easier account access, dedicated support, and industry-specific features!

FAQs

How long does it take to get a liquor license in Oklahoma?

The length of time it takes to obtain an Oklahoma liquor license varies depending on the license and the applicant. For example, for employee liquor licenses in Oklahoma, the length is usually three to five days. On the other hand, the length can reach up to 60 days for businesses applying for liquor licenses. However, most applications are processed within 30 days. Submit the supporting documentation in your initial application to ensure this process doesn’t take longer than desired.

Do you need a liquor license to sell beer or wine in Oklahoma?

Yes, your business must have a license to sell beer or wine in Oklahoma. You must also abide by the state licensing requirements and other laws covering the sale of beer and wine. This includes displaying correct licenses at your business location, not allowing customers to buy alcohol on credit, and ensuring that all customers are at least 21.

Is it hard to get a liquor license in Oklahoma?

Obtaining a liquor license isn’t particularly challenging in Oklahoma; it just takes time and effort. Make sure you apply for a Certificate of Compliance before you begin the liquor license application. This will save your business from experiencing delays in the approval process.

How long does an Oklahoma liquor license last?

Oklahoma liquor licenses for businesses only last one year. You must renew your license and repay the licensing fee annually. Make sure to begin the renewal process before your license expires; otherwise, you may be unable to operate. Fortunately, the second-year license can sometimes be cheaper than the initial year.

How do I get a temporary or one-day liquor license in Oklahoma?

Unfortunately, Oklahoma doesn’t issue any one-day liquor licenses to businesses. If you want to run a one-day event involving the sale of alcohol, you must apply for a quarterly or annual license. This license allows your business to host multiple events, from one day to ten days. You can host up to three events within the quarter if you obtain the quarterly license. If you obtain the annual event license, you can host up to four events, with no more than two events occurring in any three-month period. Both licenses cost $55, so the license you obtain should depend on the timing of your events. For example, the quarterly license is more appropriate if you need to host three events during a three-month period.

Article Sources

Bartenders Business. “How Pour Costs and Profit Margins Impact the Profitability of Your Bar.” Accessed September 11, 2024.
ABLE Commission. “New Licensing Software Coming Soon!” Accessed September 11, 2024.
Infoplease. “OK Demographics Statistics.” Accessed September 11, 2024.