Apply for a Liquor License

Overview

There are several different types of liquor license. Find out what type of license you might need for your business and learn how to apply.

Ordinance 71819 governs liquor licenses in the City of St. Louis.

Drink Licenses

Drink licenses are issued to liquor establishments that serve liquor by the drink or in the original container for consumption on the premise. A drink license establishment may also sell package liquor in the original package/container for off premise consumption.

Standard Bar and Nightclub Liquor License

All bar and nightclub owners must apply for a full liquor license through the traditional process.

Small Business Liquor License

As of October 16, 2024, under Ordinance 71819, a restaurant/bar, microbrewery, brewpub, and/or taproom brewery can apply for a liquor license through a temporary license process. This streamlined process allows these types of establishments to acquire a temporary license and prove that they are able to operate responsibly in their neighborhood without going through the standard process. The full license is issued after a 90 day waiting period.

Package Licenses

Package license are issued to pharmacy, retail grocery store, convenience stores and florist. A package license allows for the sell of intoxicating liquor and/or beer in it original package/containers for off premise consumption only. This license prohibits consumption on the licensed premise.