On-Premises Applications

There are a variety of on-premises license types issued by the SLA and it is important that you apply for the type of license that comports with your company’s proposed method of operation. Licenses are generally categorized by the physical characteristics of the premises, location of consumption, the type of alcohol to be sold, and the manner in which the business will be operated. The most popular types of on-premises licenses are:

  • On-Premises Liquor: Commonly referred to as an “OP” license, this is the standard license for bars, taverns, and lounges that wish to serve beer, wine, and liquor. This license also authorizes the licensee to sell take-out beer and growlers of beer (so long as the containers are sealed before being removed from the licensed premises). In order to obtain an OP license the minimum food requirements must be met. While an OP licensee is not required to maintain a full kitchen, a food preparation area must be designated.

  • Restaurant Wine: Commonly referred to as an RW license, this is the license most often obtained by restaurants, serving a full menu, with entree meals that do not wish to serve liquor. The RW license contemplates that food, not beer and wine, will be the primary source of revenue for the licensee’s business.

  • Tavern Wine License:  This license class allows business that do not serve full entree style meals to serve wine and beer.  However, these licenses must still meet statutory minimum food requirements and have  food preparation area. 

  • Hotel Liquor: This license allows for the consumption of liquor, wine and beer for the entire hotel  premises, including in the hotel’s guest rooms in minibars.

  • Caterers License:  This license allows a business to serve alcohol at private events in a venue that isn’t open to the public. It’s meant for places like banquet halls or event spaces that host weddings, parties, and other private functions. The venue must have enough space and facilities to serve at least 50 people and must provide food for guests at the event.

  • Club Liquor: This type of license authorizes the on-premises consumption of liquor, wine and beer for members and guests. The licensee must be a 501c-3 and must have a fixed membership list.  In order for this type of license to issue, the club must appoint an “ABC Officer.” This license is often confused with the cabaret liquor license discussed below. The club liquor license does not refer to a nightclub or private establishment.

  • Vessel Licenses: Allows a person to serve alcoholic beverages upon a vessel used for transportation, fishing or sightseeing. 

  • Restaurant-Brewer: The “brew pub” license allows the licensee to brew beer on the licensed premises and to serve beer, wine, and liquor. In order to qualify for a restaurant brewer license, an applicant must operate a bona fide restaurant on the premises. This license also permits the licensee to operate up to five separate locations. Each of the five locations may produce up to 5,000 barrels of beer per location, not to exceed 20,000 barrels in total.

  • Microbrewery: A microbrewers license is a wholesale license that allows the licensee to brew up to 60,000 barrels of beer on an annual basis. A license microbrewer may sell its product to other wholesalers and also to license retailers. A microbrewery may also sell to the general public after obtaining a brewer’s retail permit. The microbrewery may have a restaurant adjacent to the brewery, in which case it must also obtain an on-premises retail license for the sale of alcoholic beverages.

  • Cabaret Liquor: This is the traditional nightclub license that authorizes the sale of liquor, wine and beer for on-premises consumption. However, this license will only issue for premises specializing in musical entertainment that also have capacity for at least 600 persons. 

Successfully obtaining your on-premises alcoholic beverage license is not a simple task. Our attorneys are prepared to help you to apply for the correct license right for your business and navigate the application process.

To schedule an initial consultation regarding your retail alcoholic beverage liquor license application, please contact us through our website or by phone: (212) 835-6768 in New York City or (609) 480-3080 in Princeton, New Jersey.