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Alcohol Beverage Licenses

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1. Who can apply for an alcohol beverage license?

Licenses may be applied for by the owner of the business or if the business is owned by a corporation, by an officer of corporation. If neither the owner nor any officers meet the licensing requirements, then an employee of the business may be considered.

2. What type of alcohol licenses does Hall County allow?

Hall County allows the sale of malt beverages (beer) and wine in the original package at convenience stores and grocery stores. Restaurants may sell malt beverages (beer), wine, and distilled spirits by the drink for consumption on the licensed premises only.

3. Why can I not sell distilled spirits by the package?

The sale of alcoholic beverages is approved by citizens of Hall County by voting on referendums. Voters have not approved the sale of packaged distilled spirits, only by consumption on the premises of licensed restaurants.

4. Are there age requirements to hold an alcohol beverage license?

Yes, the license holder must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.

5. Are there citizenship requirements?

Yes, the license holder must be a U.S. citizen and sign an affidavit verifying their U.S. citizenship or show proof of current alien registration and/or residency from the INS or DHS.

6. Are there residency requirements?

Yes, the license holder must be a permanent full-time resident of the State of Georgia.

7. What happens if the license holder is not a permenent resident of Hall County?

If the license holder does not reside full-time in Hall County, then he/she must designate someone that is a Hall County resident to act as a liaison or registered agent. This person does not have to be affiliated with the business in any way, just be a full-time permanent resident of Hall County and agree to serve as a liaison between the Business License Director and the license holder who does not live in Hall County. For more information or to fill out an agent application, visit the Alcohol Beverage Licenses page.

8. I have a criminal history. May I apply for an alcohol license?

The license holder and/or registered agent must not have been convicted of or plead guilty to any federal, state, or local law, including but not limited to, misdemeanor DUI or BUI laws involving alcoholic beverages, malt beverages, distilled spirits, wine, drugs, pornography, gambling, or tax law violations within the last 5 years.

License holder and/or registered agent must not have been convicted of or plead guilty to any federal, state, or local law classified as a felony, within the past 10 years.

The license holder and/or registered agent must not be a person, firm, partnership, association, or corporation where any manager, partner, officer, or director thereof has been convicted of or plead guilty to any felony or lesser offense involving moral turpitude.

9. What if my employees have a criminal history?

The same guidelines apply. It is the responsibility of the owner of the business and/or license holder to verify that employees do not have a criminal history that would cause the alcohol license to be revoked.

10. What is the legal age to purchase alcohol? What happens if I sell to a minor?

The legal age to purchase and/or possess alcoholic beverages in the State of Georgia is 21 years of age. The license holder, or any of his agents must as per Hall County Code check the ID of every person wanting to purchase alcohol every time they attempt to purchase alcohol. If you sell alcohol to a minor, then you are subject to fines and/or the suspension of the alcohol license both at the state and the local level.

State laws vary, but locally, on a 1st offense, the Hall County Commission has the sole discretion as to any penalties, fines, or suspension of the license on alcoholic beverage code violations. On a 2nd offense, a mandatory suspension of at least 30 days, and possibly up to 90 days, is required. Additionally, a reinstatement fee will be required before any suspended license may be re-issued. On a 3rd offense, the license will be revoked.

11. Do my employees have to be 21 to sell alcohol?

No, they must be 18 years old. Persons under the age of 18 may not sell, distribute, or handle alcoholic beverages in any way. This includes checking someone out at the cash register and collecting payment.

12. Are there any other required licenses or permits before I can get my Hall County Alcohol License?

Yes, the business must have a valid current Certificate of Occupancy and a valid current Business License before applying for an Alcoholic Beverage License. To apply for a license, visit the Business License Application Process page.

13. Can I begin selling alcohol once I have my Hall County Alcoholic Beverage License?

No, you must also have a license from the State of Georgia, Department of Revenue. Visit the Department of Revenue website to learn more about the license and to apply.

14. Can I obtain an Alcohol License if my business is located close to a church or school?

The physical location of the business must be at least 300 feet from the nearest point of the main structure of the building to the nearest point of the main structure of any church, or 600 feet from the nearest point of the main structure of the building to the nearest point of the main structure of any school, as measured in a straight line between the closest point of the 2 structures.

15. What is the difference between "consumption on the premesis" and "package" licenses?

Package licenses are issued to grocery stores and convenience stores to sell alcoholic beverages in their original packaging and cannot be consumed on the licensed premises. Consumption on the premises licenses are issued to restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages by the drink on the licenses premises. Consumption on the premises licenses may not allow the sale of alcoholic beverages "to go." All alcohol must be consumed on the premises.

16. Are there time limits on selling or serving alcohol?

For the time limits, please view the Serving and Selling Alcohol page.

17. Can I sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays?

Yes, from 12:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.

18. Can I sell alcoholic beverages on Christmas Day?

Alcohol cannot be purchased on Christmas Day in Hall County.

19. Can I sell alcoholic beverages on Christmas Eve?

Yes, you may sell alcoholic beverages on Christmas Eve between 8 a.m. - 11:45 p.m.

20. Can I sell alcohol on Election Day?

Yes, you may serve alcohol on Election Day. Since Election Day always falls on a Tuesday, alcohol may be sold between 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

21. Can any restaurant have a consumption license?

No, consumption licenses shall be issued only to restaurants that meet Hall County Code requirements. Restaurants must have sanitary kitchen and dining room equipment with a current food service permit, and must be approved by the Building Inspection Department to have a minimum seating capacity for at least 30 people, serve meals during at least 2 meal periods (breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner) per day, be open for business at least 3 days a week, and be open at least 6 months per year. Businesses may close only for seasonal reasons or remodeling for up to 6 months each calendar year.

22. Can I have a package store?

No, alcoholic beverage sales are only allowed secondary to food sales. Businesses that only sell alcoholic beverages (package stores or bars) are not allowed in the unincorporated areas of Hall County.

23. Can I buy alcoholic beverages at wholesale stores like Sam's, BJ's, or Costco and resell them in my business?

No, all alcoholic beverages must be purchased from and delivered to the licensed location by a licensed wholesale distributor.

24. If I own more than 1 business that sells alcoholic, may I transport alcohol from 1 of my businesses to another?

No, transportation of alcoholic beverages must be made by a licensed wholesale distributor only.

25. I have limited storage space at my business. Can I store my alcoholic beverages somewhere else and then bring it into my store as I need to?

No, no one may transport alcoholic beverages except licensed wholesale distributors. All alcoholic beverages must be stored on the licensed premises.

26. Can customers in my restaurant bring their own beer or "brown bag"?

No, Hall County Code prohibits any alcoholic beverages on an alcoholic beverage licensed premises unless it is delivered by a wholesale distributor.

27. Can I have a "Happy Hour" at my restaurant?

Currently Hall County Code does not authorize any special pricing of alcoholic beverages at a certain time such as "Happy Hour."

28. I don't have an Alcoholic Beverage License, but I want to have a public customer appreciation party. May I give away alcoholic beverages?

No, in order to distribute alcoholic beverages in any way to the public, you must have a Hall County Alcoholic Beverage License.

29. Does my Alcoholic Beverage License expire? If so, when does it have to be renewed?

Yes, your license will expire each year on December 31. Fees for alcohol licenses are not pro-rated, nor refundable in any way. We will mail out a renewal application for your Alcoholic Beverage License in October. It is due back with payment by November 15. Any application not fully complete will be returned. Remember that you must also renew your State of Georgia Alcohol License each year as well.

30. If the license holder, managing agent, or registered agent ceases to work for the business, or in any way ceases to qualify to be the agent, how long do I have to let you know and to make the change?

You have 5 days. After 5 days, the fee doubles. After 90 days, the license will become invalid and will be picked up. A new license must be applied for.