How to Get a Louisiana Liquor License?

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.

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.

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.

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

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

• 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.

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

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

• 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.

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

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)

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

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.

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

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.

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.

• 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.

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. ⚜️🥃