NOTE: If you intend to apply for extended hours licenses, that intention must be advertised in the legal section of the Courier Journal. Protests for the extended hours should be sent to:
Louisville Metro ABC
444 S. 5th Street, Suite 101
Louisville KY 40202-4313 |
Follow the steps below to obtain an Alcoholic Beverage License.
STEP 1 APPLICATION
Make a copy of your completed state ABC application(s) and all attachments. http://abc.ky.gov/. Submit this information to the Louisville Metro ABC office along with the Louisville Metro ABC local application fee.
Other Required Forms in addition to State Application
Fee Schedule
STEP 2. TAX CLEARANCE
Obtain a local tax clearance from the Louisville/Jefferson County Revenue Commission located at 101 So. 8th Street, Louisville, Ky. 40202. Phone 502-574-4900 or Fax 502-574-4818. After you have obtained their approval; return this clearance form to the Louisville Metro ABC Office.
Tax Clearance Form (PDF)
STEP 3. HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Every ABC applicant that will sell food and/or alcohol by the drink must obtain a health certificate from the Louisville Metro Health Dept. located at 400 E. Gray Street, phone 502-574-6650. A copy or proof of inspection must be furnished to the Louisville Metro ABC Office before an ABC license will be approved.
Health Department Web Site
STEP 4. REMODELING, EXPANDING, NEW CONSTRUCTION
Any ABC premises under construction, remodeling, or expanding the premises to be licensed must obtain BUILDING CODE APPROVAL AND ZONING APPROVAL. Please remember your Louisville Metro ABC licenses will not be issued until all approvals and certificates of occupancy have been issued.
Development Division Web Site
STEP 5. FOOTAGE LAW:
State law (KRS 241.075) requires new Retail Liquor Drink or Retail Liquor Package Licenses be located at least 700 feet apart. Check first with the Louisville Metro ABC Office 502-574-3321 regarding these requirements.
STEP 6. FIRE MARSHAL:
Anyone applying for Restaurant Liquor by the Drink or Limited Sunday Liquor by the Drink License must have premises large enough to seat at least 100 patrons for dining. You must obtain written verification from one of the following offices stating your premises address to be licensed can seat at least 100 persons. Attach this letter or statement to your ABC application for licensing.
- URBAN SERVICE AREA PREMISES
City Fire Marshal's Office
1135 W. Jefferson St.
502-574-3701
Fire & Rescue Web Site
- OUTSIDE URBAN SERVICE AREA PREMISES
County Fire Marshal's Office,
531 Court Pl., Suite 301.
502-574- 5950.
- OPENED PREMISES
Local fire department in the district where your business is currently operating.
Jefferson County Fire Service Web Site
- STATE PROPERTY
State Fire Marshal's Office US Hwy.
127 S. Frankfort, Ky. 40601
502-564-8090
STEP 7. METRO APPLICATION FEES:
Prepare a certified check, cashier check or money order. Make payable to: (Metro Finance). You are now ready to submit your application, attachments, and application fees to the Louisville Metro Office.
STEP 8.
After the Louisville Metro ABC application has been approved a separate “Louisville Metro ABC Approval Slip” will be forwarded to the State ABC Office in Frankfort, which is needed to obtain your State license. Louisville Metro application(s) usually take approximately 30 – 45 days to process; Therefore, please make application well in advance of your opening date.
NOTATION:
In order to sell alcoholic beverages in the Louisville Metro every premise must have a Louisville Metro, State and Federal License. Listed below are contact numbers for each of these offices.
- Louisville Metro ABC Offices 502-574-3321
- State of Kentucky ABC Office 502-564-4850