Apply for a Small Business Liquor License

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.

Ensure you meet the requirements

Review the requirements for this type of liquor license to ensure your establishment qualifies for it. You can also review Ordinance 71819 for further information.

Prepare documents

Be prepared to submit the following documents and fees.

Can be submitted online:

• Proof of Missouri voter registration
• Official photo of managing officer and corporate president. Missouri state ID preferred
• Photo of the front of the proposed premise and the entrance
• Copy of current paid property tax or waiver
• Copy of certificate of incorporation or authority to do business in the state
• Copy of articles of incorporation
• Resolution appointing managing officer
• Copy of one of the following: lease, renters’ agreement, management agreement, or general warranty deed for proposed premise
• Operating agreement for LLC
• Copy of bill of sale for fixtures and equipment
• Copy of good standing certificate issued by the secretary of state
• Occupancy permit. This will also be brought over automatically from other City systems.
• Copy of health department permit if drink or food is prepared. This will also be brought over automatically from other City systems.
• Business license. This will also be brought over automatically from other City systems.
• Copy of Missouri retail sales tax license issued by Missouri Department of Revenue
• Copy of federal ID number from IRS
• Copy of current certificate of no taxes dues issued by Missouri Department of Revenue
• List of employees

Must be submitted in person:

• Background checks on applicant and all shareholders
• Naturalization papers, if applicable (only required for the managing officer)
• Social Security Number
• Fees

Complete the following steps:

1. Use the Begin Online button to submit your application online. 
2. Bring required documents to Excise Division.
3. Pay the application fee.
4. Post a placard in front of your establishment to notify the neighborhood of your intention to seek a liquor license. 
5. Upload a photo of the above placard to your application.

Begin online

Once you submit your application:

1. 30 days after you upload your placard photo, the Excise Division will schedule a hearing for your license. The Excise division will post all hearing information publicly.
2. Ten days prior to the initial hearing, Excise will mail a notification to community members that a restaurant/bar, microbrewery, brewpub, or taproom brewery is seeking to open with a liquor license in their neighborhood. 
3. Excise will conduct your hearing and evaluate your application. You must attend this hearing.
4. Excise will ensure the establishment has no taxes due, evaluate gross receipts to ensure that your restaurant/bar is making the majority of its sales in food, and determine if the establishment poses a detriment to the community.

If your hearing is successful:

1. You will be notified at the hearing that you have been issued a temporary license, and you can pay and pick up your license at the License Collector’s Office.
2. After 90 days your initial temporary license will expire; however, 14 days prior to the expiration of your initial temporary liquor license, you will be notified whether or not your temporary liquor license is renewable.
   • If approved for the renewal, you will pay for and pick up your second 90 day temporary liquor license from the License Collector.
3. You will then need to attend a final determination hearing to determine if you are approved for an annual Full Drink liquor license.
   • If approved, you will then go to the License Collectors office to pay for and pick up your liquor license.

License Ownership Transfer

In some instances 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.

Business Location Change

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.