How to Get a Liquor License in Kansas?

But getting a liquor license is just part of the picture. You also need to make sure your staff understands how to serve alcohol legally and responsibly. That’s where alcohol awareness training comes in. While not required statewide, completing a program like the Kansas Alcohol Awareness Training is highly recommended for bartenders, servers, and sellers to prevent underage service, manage intoxicated patrons, and protect your business from liability.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get a liquor license in Kansas, what types are available, how much they cost, and why employee training is a smart investment for your business.

1. Complex Application Process: The Kansas ABC process involves both detailed paperwork and background checks, which can be time-consuming and confusing without guidance.

2. Local and State Coordination: Some cities require zoning approval, occupancy permits, or local registration before you can apply with the state.

3. Delays in Processing: Depending on the license type, approval can take anywhere from 40 days to six months, which can stall business openings or expansions.

4. Confusion Over License Types: With a variety of license classes and subtypes, it’s easy to apply for the wrong one — and fixing the mistake can be costly.

5. Lack of Employee Training: Kansas doesn’t mandate statewide training, which leads some businesses to overlook it — but skipping training can increase risk and liability.

1. Increase in Specialty Licenses: Microbreweries, farm wineries, and microdistilleries are growing across Kansas, sparking interest in niche licenses.

2. Responsible Vendor Emphasis: More employers are voluntarily adopting alcohol awareness training as a best practice — especially for new hires.

3. Events and Catering on the Rise: Caterer and special event licenses have become more common as pop-ups, food trucks, and festivals expand statewide.

4. Online Application Management: The Kansas Department of Revenue now offers a centralized portal for submitting and renewing liquor licenses, streamlining access.

5. Focus on Reducing Over-Service: Training programs like Kansas Alcohol Awareness Training are being used to reduce liability and ensure safer service.

In Kansas, the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) division under the Department of Revenue regulates and issues liquor licenses. This agency ensures businesses comply with state alcohol laws, handles licensing applications, and performs regular audits.

A liquor license is required for any business that manufactures, sells, or serves alcoholic beverages. However, the state won’t issue your license until your local city or county gives their approval, so be prepared to navigate both levels of government.

Licenses are issued for one year and must be renewed annually. Each license is specific to the type of service you provide — from selling packaged liquor off-site to serving cocktails at weddings.

Kansas offers a wide range of licenses, tailored to the different ways alcohol is sold or served. Here's a breakdown:

• Drinking Establishment License: For restaurants, bars, and other venues serving alcohol on-site.
• Caterer License: Allows alcohol service at unlicensed venues for private events.
• Class A Club License: Permits private clubs to serve alcohol to members and guests.
• Public Venue License: Designed for arenas, theaters, and convention centers.

• Retail Liquor License: For liquor stores selling alcohol to be consumed off-site.

• Microbrewery License: Allows production and retail sale of craft beer.
• Farm Winery License: Authorizes production and sale of wine on-premises.
• Microdistillery License: For small-scale spirit production and sales.

Each license comes with its own rules, renewal process, and restrictions on sales, hours, and signage.

Before applying to the state, check with your city or county to determine:

• Zoning laws for alcohol sales
• Local licensing requirements
• Health and safety codes
• Occupancy limits

Without local approval, your state license can’t move forward.

You’ll need to submit Form ABC-800 (the official Kansas Liquor License Application). This can be downloaded from the Kansas Department of Revenue site.

Prepare to include:

• Business structure (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
• Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
• Lease or property deed
• Floor plan
• Background checks
• Application fee

You can also apply online via the Kansas ABC portal for faster processing.

Once submitted, the state will review your application. Typical processing times are 40 to 90 days, depending on the license type and how complete your submission is.

Once approved, your license must be displayed at your establishment.

Liquor license costs vary depending on the type of license. Here are some general estimates:

• Drinking Establishment License: $250–$500
• Caterer License: $500
• Retail Liquor License: $750
• Microbrewery/Microdistillery License: $500–$1,000
• Farm Winery License: $700–$900

Note: Additional fees may apply for background checks, inspections, or supplemental permits (such as Sunday sales or extended hours).

While Kansas does not currently require alcohol training for all servers and sellers, many employers and local jurisdictions do — and with good reason.

Training provides your staff with the tools to:

• Verify ID and prevent underage sales
• Recognize signs of intoxication
• Handle difficult customer interactions professionally
• Understand Kansas liquor laws and liability

By completing programs like the Kansas Alcohol Awareness Training, your team will be:

• More confident
• Better protected legally
• Better positioned to serve customers responsibly

For business owners, having certified staff can reduce insurance premiums, avoid fines, and prevent business-threatening mistakes.

All licenses in Kansas must be renewed annually through the ABC. You can:

• View your license status
• Check expiration dates
• Submit renewal forms
• Make payments

Visit the Kansas Licensee Portal to manage your license.

There’s also a public license search feature that allows vendors, law enforcement, or other stakeholders to confirm whether a business is operating legally.

• Start Early: The entire process can take 1–6 months, depending on complexity.
• Consult Local Officials First: They’ll help you avoid zoning or location pitfalls.
• Prepare Documentation Thoroughly: Missing items delay approval.
• Display Your License: Once approved, it must be posted where visible.
• Train Your Team: A trained staff is your best defense against liability — start with Kansas Alcohol Awareness Training.

A liquor license is your business’s ticket to legally sell and serve alcohol in Kansas — and it’s not a one-size-fits-all process. With different license types, local and state approvals, and varying timelines, getting licensed requires planning, preparation, and patience.

Equally important is ensuring your staff understands how to serve alcohol responsibly. Whether you run a local tavern or a busy downtown venue, providing your team with training through Kansas Alcohol Awareness Training is one of the smartest moves you can make. It protects your business, keeps your customers safe, and helps your staff serve confidently.

Get licensed, get trained, and get ready to build something amazing — right here in the Sunflower State.