How to Get a Liquor License in Alabama?

Thinking of opening a bar, restaurant, liquor store, or hosting alcohol-serving events in Alabama? You’re not alone. With over 5,000 active alcohol licenses issued by the Alabama ABC Board each year, the state’s hospitality industry continues to grow. But before you or your staff can legally sell or serve a single drink, you need the proper liquor license — and that process can be confusing if you’re new to it.
Mar 27
Don't hesitate

Get Your Alcohol Certification Today.

That’s where this guide comes in.

Whether you’re a business owner, bar manager, or aspiring bartender, this article walks you through how to get a liquor license in Alabama, how much it costs, how long it takes, and how to stay compliant once you have it. And while you’re here — don’t forget that every alcohol server in your establishment should complete responsible vendor training, like the Alabama Alcohol Awareness Training. It helps protect your business, reduce liability, and improve staff professionalism.

Let’s dive in.

Why It Matters: Common Challenges Business Owners Face

1.  Understanding State & Local Requirements:

Getting a license requires both state approval from the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board and local municipal approval. Overlooking local zoning or permit steps can stall your launch

2. Confusing License Types:

Alabama offers over a dozen license types — lounge retail, restaurant retail, club liquor, beer/wine only, wholesale, and more. Choosing the wrong one can lead to legal trouble or business delays.

3. Missing Documentation:

Applications require a lot: property details, insurance, background checks, corporate paperwork, and more. Incomplete files are one of the top reasons for license denials or delays.

4. Cost & Budgeting Surprises:

Fees range from $100 to $1,000+ depending on the license type, plus local fees, insurance, legal help, and setup costs. Many owners underestimate the total investment.

5. Compliance After Licensing:

Getting the license is just the start. Regular inspections, renewal deadlines, alcohol laws, and training requirements can overwhelm even seasoned bar managers.

Trends in Alcohol Licensing & Compliance

  • Training Is Trending: More Alabama employers are requiring alcohol awareness training, even though it’s not state-mandated. It helps reduce overserving, underage sales, and liability risk.

  • Online Portals Are Improving: The ABC Board’s Licensing Portal now offers more digital resources and online application steps.

  • Hybrid Bars & Pop-Up Events: Non-traditional alcohol service models (pop-ups, food trucks, hybrid retail) are growing, but many owners forget they still need proper licenses.

  • Enforcement is Increasing: The ABC Board is conducting more surprise inspections and cracking down on unlicensed operations, especially in tourist-heavy cities like Birmingham, Mobile, and Huntsville.

  • Demand for Quick Licensing: With competition growing, business owners are looking for faster approval times — but completeness and compliance still win over speed.

How to Get a Liquor License in Alabama (Step-by-Step)

1. Determine the Right Type of Liquor License

The Alabama ABC Board offers multiple license types based on your business model. Here are the most common:
License Type Best For Example
Lounge Retail Bars & nightclubs A local bar in Birmingham
Restaurant Retail Sit-down dining with alcohol A wine-serving bistro
Beer & Wine Only Delis, cafes, grocery Craft beer shops
Special Event Licenses
 Temporary events Music festivals or pop-ups
👉 Pro Tip: Check the full list of license types and fees here.

2. Gather the Required Documents

You’ll need to compile and submit the following to the ABC Board and your local government:

  • Business entity paperwork (LLC, Corp, etc.)
  • Lease or proof of property ownership
  • Alcohol liability insurance
  • Health and fire inspection certificates
  • Zoning approval from local municipality
  • Personal background checks
  • Diagram of your premises


Even a single missing document can delay your application, so double-check requirements with both your local city hall and the ABC Board.

3. Submit Your Application

Applications must be submitted both to your local city/county authorities and to the Alabama ABC Board.

  • Step 1: Apply for your local business and alcohol license

  • Step 2: Gather all ABC-required documents

  • Step 3: Submit to the ABC Board (online or in-person)

  • Step 4: Wait for inspection and approval

  • Step 5: Post your license visibly once issued


💡 How long does it take to get a liquor license in Alabama? It can take 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your documentation, local approvals, and inspection timelines.

4. Understand the Costs

How much is a liquor license in Alabama?
It depends on your license type, but here are general ranges:

License Type Approximate Fee
Lounge Retail $1,000+
Restaurant Retail
 $300–$800
Beer/Wine Only $100–$300
Special Event ~$150 per event

⚠️ Don't forget additional local license fees, insurance premiums, legal consultation costs, and potential renovation costs for inspection approval.

5. Stay Compliant After Licensing

Once you’ve received your Alabama liquor license, you’re not done yet. Ongoing responsibilities include:

  • Annual renewals (mark your calendar!)

  • ABC inspections

  • Posting updated certifications (licenses, health scores)

  • Preventing sales to minors or intoxicated guests

  • Staff training — even if not required by law, it’s strongly recommended.

Training Certifications: The Overlooked Piece of the Puzzle

Even though the Alabama ABC Board doesn’t mandate alcohol server training, most responsible business owners require it to protect their license and avoid legal issues.

One of the most popular training programs is the Alabama Alcohol Awareness Training — perfect for:

  • Bartenders
  • Waitstaff
  • Barbacks
  • Managers
  • Business owners


The course teaches how to handle intoxicated customers, verify IDs, avoid overserving, and follow ABC laws — giving your team the confidence and professionalism needed to reduce liability.

Practical Tips for Success (and Fewer Headaches)

  1. Start the licensing process early. Don’t wait until two weeks before opening — give yourself at least 60 days.

  2. Double-check zoning. Your location must allow alcohol sales — and some cities require public hearings or community input.

  3. Train your staff. Save yourself legal risk and bad reviews. Trained employees are more confident and compliant.

  4. Keep a paper trail. File copies of your application, approvals, and all communications with the ABC Board and city hall.

  5. Ask for help. If it’s your first time applying, consider consulting a liquor licensing expert or attorney.

Be Legal, Be Smart, and Be Prepared

Getting a liquor license in Alabama is a big milestone for any hospitality business. It’s also a legal requirement — and not one to take lightly. From zoning and applications to inspections and compliance, the process can be tricky, but now you’re equipped with the knowledge to handle it confidently.

And don’t forget — whether you’re hiring new servers or opening a second location, alcohol training certification matters just as much as your license. Courses like the Alabama Alcohol Awareness Training help your team stay compliant, reduce risk, and protect your brand.

So go ahead — raise a glass to smart business, safety, and success 🍷