Small Business Liquor License Frequently Asked Questions

Below you can find some questions and answers about the small business liquor license. See the information page and application page for additional details and instructions.

Answers

Why did the Jones administration seek to update the process to get a liquor license?

The process for restaurants and bars to obtain a liquor license in the City of St. Louis is lengthy, especially in comparison to local jurisdictions. In St. Louis, the process from start to finish includes signature gathering and verification. This puts a significant burden on owners to collect and verification can create additional delays.

The following issues are pain points in the process:

• Petition signature gathering does not create authentic community engagement.
• Following up with plat petition residents at their doors often results in discriminatory behavior toward Black and Brown petitioners.
• Wait times for liquor licenses strain restaurants and limit their ability to open and survive.
• The process is costly, often requiring legal counsel to successfully navigate.
• Inaccurate petition lists create confusion and make it difficult for businesses to complete the process.

What does Ordinance 71819 do?

This ordinance streamlines the application process and improves enforcement.

Applications

• This legislation only changes the process for restaurant/bars, microbreweries, taprooms, and brewpubs.
• Applicants would be able to apply for a full license using the plat petition process. However, if an applicant elects not to do the plat petition process, they could apply for a temporary license upon approval of the Excise Commissioner after a public hearing. The temporary license would last for 90 days and the applicant would be able to apply for one 90-day extension. As the temporary license expires, the applicant would become eligible for a full license if they are in good standing. They would apply for this full license by having another public hearing before the Excise Commissioner. 

Enforcement

• This Ordinance permits the Excise Commissioner to temporarily suspend a license for 48-72 hours.
• The Excise Commissioner will publicly post final determinations on nuisance properties and take into account complaints registered through the Citizen Service Bureau. 
• If a liquor license is revoked, it is revoked for a year. The applicant would then have to reapply.
• If an entity operates an establishment without a license, they are not ineligible to apply for a license for three years.
• Decisions will have due process and may be appealed to the Circuit Court.

What should you expect when you submit an online application for a liquor license for a restaurant/bar, microbrewery, brewpub, or taproom brewery?

Submitting an application online is the first step in the process to receive a liquor license for a restaurant/bar, microbrewery, brewpub, or taproom brewery. After you submit an application, you will have to come to the Excise Division to pay for your fees. After that, you will need to post a placard at your proposed establishment to give notice of your application and hearing and upload a photo of that posting to your application. After you upload that photo, the Excise Division will be able to move forward in scheduling your hearing.

At this hearing, the Excise Division will evaluate your application. Following this, if approved, you will be able to operate for 90 days and then renew your license. You will receive a notification if you are being renewed 14 days before the expiration of your temporary license. This renewal will grant you another 90 days of operating with a liquor license.

Prior to the conclusion of this second 90 days, you will have a second hearing at which the Excise Commissioner will make a final determination on your liquor license. If successful, you will then have a liquor license for a year, subject to annual renewals.

What documents will you be required to submit when you submit an online application for a liquor license for a restaurant/bar, microbrewery, brewpub, or taproom brewery?

All documents are listed in the application itself. Many of the documents you can upload prior to submitting your application, and the Excise Division will review. Documents that must be submitted in person are also listed in the application. The documents needed are listed below:

How will this process ensure public input?

This process will allow for public input either through a plat petition or multiple hearings before the Excise Commissioner. Neighbors will also see publicly posted signs in their neighborhood, and the hearing notice will be posted online. Those within the plat area will receive mailed notification of the hearings. Moreover, the public can initiate a protest petition and cause a review and revocation of a liquor license.

I want to apply for a restaurant/ bar license, but I do not currently do $200,000 in food sales, can I apply?

Yes. There is a grace period for a newly licensed restaurant bar to accomplish the required ratios and gross income required. This is a six-month period at the outset and it is subject to extension for good cause shown at the direction of the Commissioner.

Am I allowed to apply online for a liquor license if I am not applying for a liquor license pertaining to a restaurant/bar, microbrewery, brewpub, or taproom brewery?

No. This is the first time the Excise Division has offered an online application, and it is currently only available for these categories. As the city continues to modernize its processes, the goal is to move this process fully to an online system. This marks the first phase of that effort.

Can I transfer my liquor license to another person?

In some instances, yes, you can change your license to another person in the event of the death of a license holder, in the event of a change in stock ownership,  or in the event that a business partner withdraws from ownership of the business. Such licenses may be transferred to a co-owner, spouse, or next of kin. For full details, please see 14.06.330.

Can I change the location of my business without going through the plat and petition process and retain my liquor license?

No. Licenses may not be transferred to a new location without going through the plat and petition process unless they have completed the application process for the temporary license for a restaurant/bar, brewpub, taproom, or microbrewery at the new proposed location.

What is the general timeline from when I submit my application for a liquor license for a restaurant/bar, microbrewery, brewpub, and taproom brewery to approval?

An applicant can expect a minimum of 30 days before their first hearing after they have posted the placard at their establishment and uploaded the photo indicating that the posting is complete. This waiting/ notification period is required under the ordinance. After the first hearing, the applicant should know if their initial application for a temporary license is approved at the hearing itself.

I applied through the plat and petition system and I have not yet completed my signature gathering- can I transfer my application to this new process?

If you meet the qualifications under the ordinance, you may apply for a license under this system. However, you will need to resubmit your application online and pay a new application fee. Your application fee for the plat and petition application will not be refunded.

This process still includes multiple visits to City Hall. When can I expect the process to become more electronic?

The City is working to migrate many of its systems, including online payments. Once that process is complete, a greater portion of this process will be electronic.

How many applications did we get for a liquor license in 2023?

In 2023, there were 132 new applications and 1,036 renewals. This puts the City of St. Louis roughly on par with Kansas City, which received 138 applications last year.