How To Obtain A Nevada Liquor License
Obtaining the necessary business permits to serve alcohol in the state of Nevada legally can be tricky. Here are the steps on how to do it.
Navigating the Maze: Your Guide to Obtaining a Nevada Liquor License
A liquor license in Nevada allows any business to legally sell and serve alcohol (manufactured, imported, or wholesale) to customers in Nevada. The liquor license is only valid in the state it is given in. The liquor license is given by the Nevada Department of Taxation.
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NextGen Synergy can help make the complicated and time-consuming process of getting a liquor license easier.
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Here are the 7 steps to obtaining a liquor license in Nevada:
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1. Know What Type of Liquor License You Need
Every business is different. The liquor license you obtain must align with your business.
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2. Know the Requirements for The Type of License You Need
Once you know what type of license you need, the next step is knowing the requirements to obtain that license.
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3. Gathering the Required Documentation
You will need to gather the required documentation for the type of license that you want to obtain. Required documents include a liquor license application, a Nevada business registration form, business tax permit, a copy of the permit issued by the Federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), and a copy of the fictitious firm name certificate (if applicable).
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4. Submit all completed documentation
Once you completely fill out and ensure all of the required documents are filled out accurately, the documents can be submitted to the Nevada Department of Taxation, by mail, in-person, or online. Your documents, once received, will be reviewed before a liquor license is granted or denied for your business. The first 3 pages of the application will be sent to the Incorporated City's Governing Board for review if the business's location is one of the follow cities: Boulder City, Caliente, Carlin, Carson City, Elko, Ely, Fallon, Fernley, Henderson, Las Vegas, Lovelock, Mesquite, North Las Vegas, Reno, Sparks, Wells, West Wendover, Winnemucca or Yerington.
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5. Submit payment
The fees will very depending on the type of license you are trying to obtain and must be paid each year by July 1st. Failure to submit payment will result in the liquor license being cancelled.
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6. Obtain an Original Liquor Surety Bond
The Original Liquor Surety Bond acts as insurance in case the business violates any liquor laws or regulations. It also ensures that all sales taxes are paid. A licensed surety bond provider can help you with obtaining a bond. The price for a bond is 1-15% of the bond's total depending on your credit score.
Here are the total bond prices:
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Importer and/or Wholesaler Bond:
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- Wine, Beer & Spirits – $50,000.00
Manufacturer Bond:
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- Brewer – $ 1,000.00
- Winemaker – $ 1,000.00
- Rectifier – $ 50,000
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7. Obtain your liquor license
Once payment is received and the application is approved, the business will receive its Nevada liquor license from the Department of Taxation. It is recommended to display the license in a place where it is visible in the business.
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Liquor License in Nevada - Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does it cost to get a liquor license in Nevada?
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It can cost anywhere between $100 to $565 to get a liquor license for importing, wholesaling, and manufacturing liquor in Nevada (this does not include the costs needed to secure the bond). Additional fees for local city permits and licensing may cost additional fees.
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How can a business get a liquor license in Nevada?
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A business needs to fill out and submit an application, pay the required fees, and meet all of the requirements.
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Does a business need a liquor license to manufacture, sell, or serve liquor?
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Yes, a business needs a liquor license to legally manufacture, sell, or serve alcohol.
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What types of liquor licenses does a business need?
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That depends on the business. The two types of licenses are importer/wholesaler and manufacturer.
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How long does it take to obtain a liquor license in Nevada?
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It can take up to 6 months.
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What are reasons for a denial of a liquor license application?
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An application can be denied due to incomplete application, unpaid fees, lack of require bonds, failure to meet local requirements, and any zoning laws that prohibit licensing.
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Does a Nevada liquor license need to be renewed?
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Yes, a Nevada liquor license can be renewed every year by paying the required fees before July 1st.
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Can my business get a temporary Nevada liquor license?
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Yes, but only in some counties and only after getting approval from the city or county.
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What happens if I operate without a liquor license in Nevada?
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It is a criminal offense that may result in fines, legal charges, suspension of business, or imprisonment.
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