Follow These Steps To Get Your Alabama Liquor License Plus More Tips for Your Business

Whether you’re starting a new establishment, expanding into alcohol sales, or hosting special events, the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board regulates who can legally sell or serve alcohol. The process involves both state and local approvals, multiple license types, and ongoing compliance.

This guide walks you through the steps to get a liquor license in Alabama, the costs and timeline, and how to stay compliant long-term.

Pro Tip: Even though Alabama doesn’t mandate alcohol training statewide, employers who require staff certification are ahead of the game. Enrolling your team in the Alabama Alcohol Awareness Training helps reduce liability, ensures smoother inspections, and improves professionalism across your business.

Getting an Alabama liquor license isn’t just about permission—it’s about operating responsibly and legally. The Alabama ABC Board enforces laws that protect public safety and maintain fairness among businesses. Missing a single step or filing the wrong paperwork can delay or derail your launch.
Common challenges include:

• Confusing application types: The ABC Board offers more than a dozen license options.
  
  
• Dual approval: You need both state and local city/county authorization.
  
  
• Detailed paperwork: Ownership documents, floor plans, and insurance must be exact.
  
  
• Renewal deadlines: Annual renewals and inspections are required for compliance.
  
  

Knowing the system ahead of time saves money, time, and frustration.

The Alabama ABC Board Licensing Division regulates more than 15 types of liquor licenses, each designed for a specific type of business. Choosing the correct license is essential—applying for the wrong one can lead to costly delays or even a rejected application.

For most bars and nightclubs, the Lounge Retail Liquor License is the standard option, with fees typically starting around $1,000 or more. If you operate a full-service restaurant, you’ll likely need a Restaurant Retail License, which generally costs between $300 and $800.

Private clubs and membership-based organizations should apply for a Club Liquor License, which also begins at about $1,000, while smaller establishments such as cafés, grocery stores, and delis that only serve beer or wine can obtain a Beer and Wine Only License for approximately $100 to $300.

If your business serves alcohol at temporary events—like festivals, pop-ups, or charity gatherings—you’ll need a Special Event License, which typically costs around $150 per event. Meanwhile, wholesalers and distributors who supply alcohol to retailers must obtain a Wholesale License, with fees that vary depending on the product type and business scale.

You can review the complete list of license categories, eligibility details, and fees on the Alabama ABC Board’s License Types and Fees page for the most accurate and current information.

Before applying, ensure you have all your documentation in order. Incomplete files are one of the top reasons for delayed or denied licenses.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Proof of business registration (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
  
  
• Property lease or deed
  
  
• Liability insurance certificate
  
  
• Local zoning and health department approval
  
  
• Background checks for owners and key personnel
  
  
• Diagram of your premises showing alcohol service areas

If you’re unsure which forms apply to your business, visit the ABC Board’s How to Apply page or call your local city clerk’s office. For example, the City of Huntsville Alcohol Beverage License Division has additional local requirements before your state submission.

The Alabama ABC Board accepts both in-person and online applications through its digital licensing portal.

Here’s the process:

1. Apply for your local city or county alcohol permit first.
   
   
2. Collect all required state-level documents.
   
   
3. Submit your state application via the ABC Licensing Portal or local office.
   
   
4. Undergo inspection and background review.
   
   
5. Wait for both local and state approvals before serving.
   
   

How long does it take to get a liquor license in Alabama?
Most licenses take 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how quickly your inspections and local approvals are processed.

The ABC Board Licensing & Compliance Division frequently updates its portal with online features, making the process more transparent and accessible for new business owners.

When budgeting your startup costs, remember that a liquor license involves more than just application fees.

Expense Type	Typical Cost Range
State License Fees	$100–$1,000+
Local License Fees	$100–$500
Insurance & Legal Help	$200–$800
Facility Renovations or Upgrades	Varies
Training & Compliance Courses	$20–$50 per employee

For official fee details, see the ABC Board License Types & Fees Table.

Important: Some municipalities, such as Tuscaloosa and Auburn, charge additional local business license fees for alcohol sales. Visit the City of Tuscaloosa Alcohol License Process or Auburn Revenue Department’s Alcohol License Page for local details.

Once your Alabama liquor license is approved, compliance becomes an ongoing responsibility. Failing to maintain accurate records, renew on time, or train your staff properly can result in fines or suspension.

• Annual renewals: Check renewal deadlines on the ABC Board’s License Renewal page.
  
  
• Visible display: Your license must be posted where customers and inspectors can easily see it.
  
  
• Regular inspections: ABC inspectors visit licensed establishments to ensure laws are followed.
  
  
• Employee training: Staff should understand alcohol service laws to avoid overserving or selling to minors.

Alabama remains one of the few states with “wet,” “dry,” and “moist” counties. This means some counties prohibit alcohol sales entirely, while others allow limited sales under specific conditions.

• Dry Counties: Blount, Clay, and Fayette
  
  
• Wet Counties: Jefferson, Mobile, Madison, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa
  
  
• Moist Counties: Permit alcohol sales under limited local laws
  
  

Before applying for your liquor license, confirm your county’s status through the ABC Board County Directory or your local courthouse.

While Alabama doesn’t require alcohol server certification statewide, most responsible business owners invest in training to protect their licenses and reputation.

The Alabama Alcohol Awareness Training is an on-premise course designed for:

• Bartenders and servers
  
  
• Bar managers and owners
  
  
• Hotel and event staff

This course helps your team:

• Verify IDs correctly
  
  
• Prevent overservice and intoxication issues
  
  
• Handle difficult customer interactions professionally
  
  
• Reduce liability and improve guest safety

Even though it’s not state-mandated, training demonstrates due diligence to inspectors and customers alike—and that goes a long way in Alabama’s competitive hospitality industry.

After receiving your license, mark renewal dates and maintain a compliance calendar. Most licenses must be renewed annually before September 30, according to the ABC Board’s renewal guidelines.

To stay ahead:

• Schedule reminders for renewals and inspections.
  
  
• Revisit your insurance and fire safety certifications yearly.
  
  
• Train new hires immediately.
  
  
• Keep all paperwork—digital and physical—neatly organized.

How much does it cost to get a liquor license in Alabama?
Between $100 and $1,000+, depending on type, location, and business model.

Do you need a liquor license to serve alcohol in Alabama?
Yes. Any business selling or serving alcohol must hold an active Alabama ABC license.

How long does it take to get a liquor license in Alabama?
Typically 4–8 weeks, depending on documentation and inspection readiness.

What kind of license do I need for a liquor store?
You’ll need a retail liquor package store license, regulated by the ABC Board’s Licensing Division.

Getting a liquor license in Alabama may seem complex, but with preparation, organization, and proper training, it’s absolutely manageable. By following these steps and consulting official sources like the Alabama ABC Board Licensing Division, you’ll stay compliant and avoid costly delays.

And remember—obtaining your license is just the first step. Building a responsible, well-trained team keeps your business safe and sustainable. The Alabama Alcohol Awareness Training is a simple, affordable way to help your staff serve responsibly while protecting your license and brand reputation.