Alcoholic Beverage License

Alcoholic Beverage License
(Chapter 4, Columbia Code of Ordinances)

It is unlawful for any person, either by himself or through the use of agents or servants, to engage in the manufacture, brewing, sale or distribution of intoxicating liquors or nonintoxicating beer, within the City without first having obtained a license. (Section 4-2, Columbia Code of Ordinances)

Applications for a City Alcoholic Beverage (Liquor) License may be obtained online or from the Business License Office, 701 East Broadway, Columbia, MO 65205. A Business License is required in addition to the liquor license.

The Liquor License application must be approved by the pertinent departments as well as the City Manager. The approval process takes approximately two weeks at which time a license is issued by the Business Services Manager.

A criminal record check is required for each individual owner, partner and all members of an LLC.  If the applicant is a corporation, the managing officer, each offer and director, and all shareholders who own 10% or more of the stock of the business must obtain a criminal record check.

If the owner, partner or managing officer is a naturalized citizen, proof of citizenship must be submitted.

A Statement of No Sales Tax Due shall be provided which can be obtained from the MO Department of Revenue, phone 573-751-9268.

A copy of the lease, rental agreement or contract of sale must be provided for the leased business premise.

If the business is an LLC, please provide a copy of the Limited Liability Company Operation Agreement.

Liquor Licenses shall be issued for a period of one year from July 1 through June 30 of each year. Persons desiring to secure licenses after June 30 shall pay for such portion of the license year remaining at the time such license is issued.

A Picnic License is issued to nonprofit/charitable groups for liquor sales. The fee is $15.00 for a period not to exceed seven (7) days.

A Caterer's Permit is issued to businesses already possessing a valid liquor license to go off premises to serve alcohol. The fee is $15.00 for each calendar day the permit is issued which shall not exceed 120 hours.  If the event that is being catered will be held outdoors, a diagram and description of the extended licensed area must accompany the caterers permit application.  If tents will be utilized, please contact the Protective Inspection Division at 874-7474.  The location must also be ADA accessible.