Updated Guide on How to Get a Louisiana Liquor License

In a state known for its culture, cuisine, and celebrations, operating a bar, restaurant, or alcohol-selling business in Louisiana means you’ll need the right licenses in place — and that starts with securing a liquor license through the state’s Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC).
Apr 14
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Whether you’re serving daiquiris in New Orleans, running a cozy wine bar in Baton Rouge, or hosting events in Shreveport, you need a valid license to sell or serve alcohol legally. But the license is only part of the equation. To operate responsibly, your staff must also be trained in alcohol service and hold valid Responsible Vendor certification — more commonly referred to as a "bar card."

The Louisiana Alcohol Awareness Training is an approved course designed to help bartenders, servers, and managers meet these requirements. In this guide, we'll break down exactly how to get a liquor license in Louisiana, what it costs, which license you need, and why proper training is just as important as paperwork.

Common Challenges with Getting a Liquor License in Louisiana

Navigating the Louisiana liquor license process isn’t without hurdles. First, the number of permit categories can be overwhelming — with distinct licenses for restaurants, caterers, retailers, breweries, and more, choosing the wrong one can delay or even derail your application. Business owners also face the challenge of securing both local and state approval, which often requires juggling city and parish requirements alongside the ATC’s state-level rules.

Then there’s the bar card requirement, which some mistakenly assume is part of the liquor license, when in fact, it’s a separate mandate for staff that must be completed within 45 days of hire. Processing times add to the challenge, with applications sometimes taking 30 to 60 days or more to clear, especially if documentation is incomplete or if local authorities are delayed. Lastly, compliance and renewals require ongoing attention, as licenses must be renewed annually, and noncompliance can lead to suspension or revocation.

Industry Trends in Louisiana’s Alcohol Scene

The way businesses manage alcohol sales in Louisiana is evolving fast. A major shift is the rise of online applications through the ATC’s digital portal — reducing paperwork and accelerating processing. Meanwhile, the demand for Responsible Vendor training has surged, driven by the mandatory bar card requirement and a broader cultural shift toward safer alcohol service.

Special event and caterer licenses are also on the rise, thanks to an increase in private gatherings, pop-ups, and seasonal festivals. Employers are now using bar card lookup tools to verify employee certification and ensure compliance with ATC standards. And with changing customer habits, many businesses are exploring alcohol delivery options, leading to a higher demand for off-premises and takeaway alcohol permits.

Understanding the Louisiana Liquor License System

The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) oversees all alcohol licensing across the state. Every business that sells or serves alcohol — from restaurants and grocery stores to caterers and breweries — must be licensed by the ATC.

You must:

  • Choose the correct permit type based on your business model
  • Submit your application online via the ATC Portal
  • Obtain local approval if required
  • Comply with zoning, health, and fire code checks
  • Ensure staff complete Responsible Vendor training within 45 days of hire

Types of Liquor Licenses in Louisiana

Louisiana offers a variety of permits tailored to different alcohol sales and service models. Common license types include:

Retail Sales

  • Retail Dealer’s Permit (Class A - General): For bars, taverns, and nightclubs serving alcohol for on-site consumption.
  • Retail Dealer’s Permit (Class B - Package): For selling packaged alcohol (liquor, beer, wine) for off-site consumption — common for grocery and liquor stores.

Food-Based Establishments

  • Restaurant Permit (Class AR): For restaurants serving alcohol on-premises with meals.
  • Caterer’s Permit: For catering businesses offering alcohol at private functions.

Manufacturing & Wholesale

  • Brewery Operations Permit: For breweries that produce and distribute beer.
  • Microdistillery Permit: For smaller-scale spirit production and sales.

Event-Based Licensing

  • Special Event Permit: For non-recurring events like fairs, festivals, weddings, or fundraisers.


Licenses are issued at both the local and state levels, and not all licenses are available in every parish or city.

How to Apply for a Liquor License in Louisiana

Step 1: Determine Your Business Type

Do you plan to serve alcohol at a restaurant? Sell packaged liquor in a shop? Operate a brewery? Your license class will depend on:

  • Whether alcohol is served on- or off-premises
  • What type of alcohol is being sold
  • Whether you produce or distribute alcohol

Step 2: Apply Online via the ATC Portal

Use the Louisiana ATC Online System to:

  • Register a business profile
  • Complete the appropriate application
  • Upload necessary documents (lease agreement, floor plan, photos, etc.)
  • Pay your application fee (varies by license type)

Step 3: Obtain Local Approval

Some municipalities or parishes require separate local approval before state licenses can be issued. This may involve:

  • Zoning verification
  • Fire and health inspections
  • Local business licenses or permits

Step 4: Wait for ATC Approval

Processing times can range from 30–60 days depending on:

  • Volume of applications
  • Completeness of documentation
  • Local government processing time


Once approved, your license will be mailed and must be posted prominently in your establishment.

How Much Does a Liquor License Cost in Louisiana?

Costs vary widely based on license type and location. Here’s a general estimate:

  • Retail Dealer (Class A - General): $320–$500 per year
  • Retail Dealer (Class B - Package): $120–$400 per year
  • Restaurant Permit: $250–$500 annually
  • Special Event Permit: $100–$250 per event
  • Brewery or Manufacturer: $500–$1,000+


Additional fees may include:

  • Application processing: $50–$100
  • Local license or permit fees
  • Background check or fingerprinting charges

Renewal and Penalties for Louisiana Liquor Licenses

Holding a Louisiana liquor license is not a one-time obligation. License holders must remain in continuous compliance with state and local alcohol laws, meet renewal deadlines, and operate within permitted sales limits to avoid costly penalties.

Annual Renewal Requirements

Most Louisiana liquor licenses require annual renewal through the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC). Licensees are responsible for:

  • Submitting renewal applications on time
  • Paying all required renewal fees
  • Maintaining compliance with state and parish regulations
  • Ensuring employee bar cards (Responsible Vendor permits) remain valid

Failure to renew on time can result in temporary license expiration, operational shutdowns, or enforcement actions.

Local (Parish and Municipal) Compliance

In addition to state renewal, some businesses must also comply with parish or city permit renewals, zoning rules, and local alcohol ordinances. Even if your state license is active, violations of local alcohol laws can trigger enforcement actions at the ATC level.

Penalties for Noncompliance

Louisiana enforces alcohol laws strictly. Violations may result in:

  • Heavy fines
  • License suspension or revocation
  • Temporary closure of the business
  • Loss of Responsible Vendor status

Common violations include:

  • Selling alcohol to minors
  • Allowing service outside legal serving hours
  • Exceeding permitted sales limits
  • Operating with expired licenses or permits
  • Employing untrained or uncertified alcohol servers

Responsible Beverage Service and Risk Reduction

Completing Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training, also known as Responsible Vendor training, is one of the most effective ways to reduce violations. Properly trained staff are better equipped to check IDs, refuse service when required, and prevent situations that could jeopardize a business’s liquor license.

Staying proactive with renewals, training, and compliance helps protect your license—and your livelihood.

The Bar Card: Required Alcohol Training in Louisiana

In Louisiana, any employee who sells or serves alcohol, including bartenders, waitstaff, clerks, and managers, must obtain a bar card within 45 days of employment.

This card is issued after completing a Responsible Vendor (RV) training program, such as the Louisiana Alcohol Awareness Training.

The training covers:

  • Louisiana alcohol laws
  • How to spot fake IDs
  • Recognizing signs of intoxication
  • Preventing underage sales
  • Reducing legal and civil liability


Bar cards are valid for four years, and businesses are required to keep records of employee certification on file.

Using the Louisiana Liquor License Lookup Tool

The ATC provides a public license database where you can:

Check the status of your liquor license
Verify a vendor or employee’s bar card
See if a license is active, expired, or suspended

This tool is available through the ATC License Search Portal.

Practical Tips for Applicants and Alcohol Sellers

  • Start early. It may take 1–2 months to get your license approved.
  • Keep digital copies of everything. Always keep scanned documents and emails for future renewals.
  • Coordinate with your local city/parish. Local laws may be stricter than state laws.
  • Train your staff proactively. Don’t wait 45 days — enroll new hires in Louisiana Alcohol Awareness Training immediately.
  • Track renewals carefully. Late renewals can cause temporary suspension of your license.

FAQs: Louisiana Liquor Licenses

  • Do liquor licenses in Louisiana have to be renewed every year?
    Yes. Most Louisiana liquor licenses require annual renewal through the LA ATC. Missing renewal deadlines can result in license suspension or the inability to legally sell alcohol.

  • What happens if I sell alcohol without a valid license?
    Selling alcohol without an active license can lead to heavy fines, license denial in the future, and potential criminal penalties. Businesses may also face immediate closure until compliance is restored.

  • Can my liquor license be suspended or revoked?
    Yes. The LA ATC may impose license suspension or revocation for serious or repeated violations, including selling alcohol to minors, violating serving hours, or failing to comply with licensing conditions.

  • Do parishes or cities have their own alcohol rules?
    Yes. Louisiana liquor licensing involves both state and local oversight. Parishes and municipalities may impose stricter rules on alcohol sales, operating hours, or permit requirements, even if the state license is valid.

  • Is Responsible Vendor (bar card) training required to keep my liquor license?
    While the bar card is issued to employees — not the business — employers are responsible for ensuring staff complete Louisiana Responsible Vendor training within 45 days of hire. Failure to do so can result in penalties and loss of Responsible Vendor protections.

  • What are common liquor license violations in Louisiana?
    Common violations include:
    - Selling alcohol to minors
    - Allowing alcohol sales outside permitted hours
    - Operating with expired licenses or permits
    - Exceeding permitted sales limits
    - Employing uncertified alcohol servers

  • How can I reduce the risk of penalties or fines?
    The best way to stay compliant is to:
    - Track license and permit renewals carefully
    - Stay informed about parish and state alcohol laws
    - Enroll staff promptly in Responsible Vendor training
    - Keep accurate records of employee certifications

Get Your Louisiana Liquor License and Get Certified

Getting a liquor license in Louisiana isn’t just about filling out paperwork — it’s about knowing your business model, understanding your responsibilities under the law, and training your staff to serve responsibly. Whether you're starting a new wine bar, catering business, or retail shop, it all begins with applying through the ATC and choosing the right permit.

Equally important is ensuring your employees meet the state’s alcohol service laws. The Louisiana Alcohol Awareness Training helps you stay compliant with Responsible Vendor requirements while building a knowledgeable, confident team. It’s an investment that protects your license, your business, and your customers.

Stay licensed. Stay trained. Stay compliant — Louisiana style.