No permits, no party. Licensing is one of the most time-sensitive parts of opening a bar, and requirements differ significantly from place to place. This overview covers the common categories new owners encounter. It isn’t legal advice: always confirm with your local licensing authority and a qualified attorney.
Liquor licensing
Most jurisdictions require a license to sell alcohol, with different license types depending on what you sell, whether you serve food and your hours. Some areas limit the number of licenses available.
Processing can include applications, background checks, public notice and hearings. Start as early as possible.
Business and tax registrations
You’ll typically need to register your business entity, obtain tax identification numbers and register for sales tax collection.
Your accountant can help you set up the right structure for your situation.
Health and safety permits
If you serve food or handle ice and garnishes, a health permit and inspections are usually required. Fire department inspections and occupancy limits also apply.
Plan your build-out with code compliance in mind so inspections don’t delay your opening.
Building, signage and zoning
Construction often requires building permits, and exterior signs may need separate approval. Zoning determines whether a bar can operate at your address and during which hours.
Confirm zoning before signing a lease. Lease contingencies tied to licensing approval can protect you.
Entertainment and special permits
Live music, DJs, dancing, outdoor seating and late hours may need additional permits in some areas.
Ask early about any restrictions that affect your concept, such as noise limits.
Stay compliant after opening
Licenses come with ongoing obligations: renewals required by the government, staff training rules and recordkeeping. Track deadlines on a shared calendar.
Brand rights are different: SHOTS rights are permanent with no terms and no renewals, so your government licenses are the only renewal dates to track.
Building your permit tracker
Create a single tracker for every license and permit your venue needs. For each one, list the issuing agency, the application requirements, fees as quoted by the agency, submission date, expected decision date, contact person, status and renewal schedule. Update it weekly during the opening process.
Many permits depend on others, so note dependencies. A certificate of occupancy may require completed inspections, and some licenses may require other approvals first. Share the tracker with your attorney, contractor and general manager so everyone sees the same picture. Keep copies of every submission and approval in a shared folder, and post required licenses where regulations say they must be displayed. After opening, the tracker becomes your compliance calendar: set reminders well ahead of renewal dates, track staff certification expirations and schedule periodic self-inspections. A disciplined tracker turns permitting from a source of stress into a routine, and it protects the business you’ve worked so hard to open.
A final practical point: build relationships with the people who process your applications. Be polite, organized and responsive, answer follow-up questions quickly and keep your contact information current. Inspectors and licensing staff handle many applications, and a well-prepared applicant who submits complete paperwork is easier to work with. That professionalism won’t change the rules, but it can help the process run smoothly.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Starting the liquor license process too late.
- Assuming another city’s rules apply to yours.
- Signing a lease without licensing contingencies.
- Missing government renewal deadlines after opening.
Quick checklist
- Contact your local licensing authority.
- Engage a hospitality attorney.
- Confirm zoning before signing a lease.
- List every permit and its timeline.
- Track government renewals on a shared calendar.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a liquor license take?
It varies widely by jurisdiction. Ask your local licensing authority and start early.
Is this article legal advice?
No. Always confirm requirements with your local authorities and a qualified attorney.
Do SHOTS brand rights need renewing?
No. SHOTS rights are permanent with no terms and no renewals.
The bottom line
Permits are the gate to opening day. Start early, track everything and get expert local advice.
Where SHOTS fits
SHOTS is a nightlife brand built over more than a decade on quality, ambiance and unforgettable experiences. Through brand licensing, one one-time payment gives you permanent rights to the SHOTS brand, recipes, menus and other brand assets, with no royalties, no terms and no renewals. Pay once, yours for good. Licensees operate independently and keep 100% of the profits. Every SHOTS location is unique. We strive to save startup costs for owners wherever possible, without ever sacrificing the SHOTS experience.
The SHOTS rights include:
- The right to use the SHOTS brand name in your territory.
- Access to the proven SHOTS recipes and menus.
- Digital media rights and more than a decade of SHOTS digital materials.
- Rights to produce branded merchandise.
- A location page on shotsbar.com/.
Ready to talk about your market? Request licensing info and our licensing team will reach out. Each licensing deal is tailored to fit your territory, so the first conversation is about your market, your plans and how SHOTS could work there.
