How to Get a Kentucky Liquor License?

But that’s not all. While Kentucky does not currently mandate statewide alcohol server training, many employers and local governments require it. That’s why business owners and staff often turn to trusted resources like the government-recognized Kentucky Alcohol Awareness Courses, which help bartenders, servers, and managers prevent liability, follow the law, and protect their customers. With specialized options available for cities like Bowling Green and Lexington-Fayette, there’s a tailored course for every team.

This guide breaks down the liquor licensing process in Kentucky — including license types, application steps, costs, and why employee alcohol training is a smart move.

1. Local and State Approval Needed: Before the state reviews your application, you need approval from your city or county ABC administrator. If your business is in a "dry" or partially dry area, you may not be eligible at all.

2. Complex License Types: With over 80 license types, it’s easy to apply for the wrong one, which can delay approval or limit your operations.

3. Quota-Based Restrictions: Some licenses, like the Quota Retail Drink License, are only available in limited quantities, depending on local population.

4. Lengthy Processing Times: Depending on the complexity of the license and location, the full approval process can take weeks or even months.

5. Misunderstanding Training Requirements: Even though training isn’t required by the state, local regulations or employer policies might make it mandatory.

1. Growth in Craft Beverage Businesses: Kentucky’s rich distilling history and modern beer/wine movements are driving demand for microbrewery, winery, and distiller licenses.

2. Rise in Temporary Event Permits: From music festivals to charitable events, temporary alcohol sales are becoming more common, increasing interest in event-based licenses.

3. Online Licensing Tools: The Kentucky ABC portal allows license lookups and digital submissions, making license management more convenient.

4. Focus on Server Responsibility: More employers are voluntarily requiring alcohol awareness training to mitigate liability and improve customer safety.

5. Local Training Variability: Some cities like Bowling Green and Lexington-Fayette have additional expectations for alcohol service training, which is why location-specific programs like Bowling Green Alcohol Awareness Training and Lexington-Fayette Alcohol Awareness Training exist.

The Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) regulates the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages across the state. Their responsibilities include:

• Approving liquor license applications
• Conducting inspections
• Enforcing compliance with laws
• Issuing fines and penalties

 Importantly, local ABC administrators must approve your license application before it is submitted to the state. This dual-approval system can slow things down if you aren’t prepared

With 84 types of licenses offered, it's essential to pick the one that matches your business model. Here are a few of the most common:

• Quota Retail Drink License: For selling distilled spirits, wine, and malt beverages on-premises. Limited by local quota.
• Non-Quota Retail Malt Beverage Package License: For selling beer to-go (e.g., convenience stores).
• Non-Quota Retail Malt Beverage Drink License: For selling beer for on-site consumption (e.g., taprooms).

• Microbrewery License: For brewing and selling beer on-site.
• Small Farm Winery License: For wine production and retail sales.
• Distiller’s License: For producing and selling distilled spirits.

• Special Temporary Alcoholic Beverage License: For events, festivals, and fundraisers.
  
  

You can find a complete list of licenses and their requirements on the Kentucky ABC website.

Contact your city or county ABC administrator to:

• Confirm alcohol sales are legal in your area
• Complete any required zoning or use permits
• Schedule local inspections (if needed)

Once you receive local approval, visit the Kentucky ABC site to download the appropriate license forms.

You’ll need to provide:

• Entity documentation (LLC, Corp, etc.)
• Floor plan of your establishment
• Personal background checks
• Local authorization form
• Fees (based on license type)

Processing can take 30–90 days depending on location, license type, and how complete your application is.

Once approved, your license must be displayed at your business location.

Fees vary depending on the license class and jurisdiction. Here are some typical examples:

• Quota Retail Drink License: $1,000 annually
• Microbrewery License: $500–$1,000
• Small Farm Winery License: $100–$300
• Non-Quota Malt Beverage License: $250–$400
• Special Event License: $50–$100

Additional costs may apply for:

• City or county fees
• Training or certification (if required)
• Application processing or background checks

While Kentucky does not have a blanket law requiring server training, some cities and counties do — and more employers are adopting it as a best practice.

Completing programs like that of government-recognized Kentucky Alcohol Awareness Courses provides employees with vital skills:

• Verifying IDs
• Spotting intoxicated customers
• Avoiding overservice
• Understanding ABC regulations

Training can also:

• Lower your insurance costs
• Reduce legal liability
• Improve community reputation

Whether required or not, training is a win for your staff and your business.

Getting a liquor license in Kentucky can feel overwhelming — but with the right plan, it’s totally manageable. Whether you're applying for a retail drink license in Louisville or launching a winery in rural Kentucky, it all starts with understanding the process, preparing your documents, and checking your local laws.

And while Kentucky may not require alcohol awareness training everywhere, it’s still one of the smartest decisions you can make. With resources like Bowling Green Training and Lexington–Fayette Training, your staff can serve confidently and legally — and your business can thrive.