8+ Licenses and Permits You May Need to Open a Brewery

As the craft beer industry continues to boom, more and more aspiring brewers are looking to turn their passion for creating unique and flavorful brews into a thriving business venture. However, opening a brewery is not as simple as just having a great beer recipe and a dream. In fact, it requires navigating a complex web of legal requirements, including obtaining various licenses and permits to ensure your brewery is operating within the confines of the law. Before you can even think about raising a celebratory pint, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the necessary paperwork and procedures that will allow your brewery to legally operate. In this article, we'll outline the 8+ essential licenses and permits you may need to open a brewery, helping you avoid any legal pitfalls and ensuring you're well on your way to brewing success. Cheers!

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Written by:
Newfoundr
Updated on:
April 17, 2023
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Our List of 8+ Licenses and Permits You May Need to Open a Brewery:

Below is a list of possible Brewery licenses and permits needed. Please note it will vary state by state, so please do extensive research before starting.

1. Federal Brewer's Permit.

A Federal Brewer's Permit is a license issued by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) of the United States Department of the Treasury, which allows individuals or companies to legally manufacture and sell beer on a commercial scale. In order to start a brewery, you need to obtain a Federal Brewer's Permit, as it is a legal requirement. The permit ensures that the brewery complies with federal regulations related to the production, labeling, advertising, and distribution of beer. Without this permit, a brewery cannot sell their beer legally and may face hefty fines or even closure.

Check if your state requires a Federal Brewer's Permit.

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2. State Brewer's License.

A State Brewer's License is a legal permit issued by the state government to allow individuals or businesses to produce and sell beer within the state. This license is necessary to start a brewery because it ensures that the brewery is complying with state regulations and laws regarding the production, distribution, and sale of beer. Without this license, the brewery would be operating illegally and could face fines or even be shut down. Additionally, obtaining a State Brewer's License is often a prerequisite for obtaining other licenses and permits, such as a federal brewer's permit or a local business license.

Check if your state requires a State Brewer's License.

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3. Alcohol Wholesaler's License.

An Alcohol Wholesaler's License is a permit that allows a business to sell alcoholic beverages in bulk to retailers or other businesses. This license is required for businesses that want to distribute alcohol to other businesses, such as bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.A brewery may need an Alcohol Wholesaler's License if they plan to distribute their beer to other businesses. This license allows the brewery to sell their beer in bulk to retailers or other businesses, which can help increase their sales and reach a wider audience. Without this license, a brewery would only be able to sell their beer directly to consumers through their taproom or online store.

Check if your state requires a Alcohol Wholesaler's License.

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4. Business License.

A business license is a legal document that allows a person or company to operate a business in a specific location. It is issued by the local government and is required for most types of businesses.To start a brewery, you would need a business license to legally operate the business. This license ensures that the brewery complies with all local regulations and laws related to operating a business. It also provides protection for the business owner and customers in case of any legal issues that may arise. Additionally, having a business license can help establish credibility and legitimacy for the brewery, which can be important for securing funding, partnerships, and customers.

Check if your state requires a Business License.

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5. Sales Tax Permit.

A Sales Tax Permit is a document issued by the state government that allows a business to collect sales tax on goods and services sold to customers. In the case of a brewery, a Sales Tax Permit is required to sell beer directly to customers, whether through a taproom or other retail location. Without a Sales Tax Permit, a brewery would not be able to legally collect sales tax on their sales, which could result in fines and penalties from the state government. Additionally, having a Sales Tax Permit is necessary for a brewery to be able to report and remit sales tax to the state government on a regular basis.

Check if your state requires a Sales Tax Permit.

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6. Health Department Permit.

A Health Department Permit is a permit issued by the local health department that allows a business to operate and sell food and beverages to the public. In the case of a brewery, this permit is necessary because breweries often have a taproom or tasting room where customers can come and sample the beer. The health department is responsible for ensuring that the brewery is following all food safety regulations and that the beer is being produced in a clean and safe environment. Without a Health Department Permit, a brewery would not be able to legally sell beer to the public.

Check if your state requires a Health Department Permit.

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7. Building Permit.

A Building Permit is an official document that grants legal permission to start a construction or renovation project. It is issued by the local government or municipality and ensures that the project complies with building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards.To start a brewery, you may need a Building Permit to construct or renovate the building where the brewery will be located. This permit ensures that the building is safe and suitable for the intended use, such as installing proper ventilation, plumbing, and electrical systems. It also ensures that the brewery meets all the necessary zoning requirements and environmental regulations. Without a Building Permit, you may face fines, legal penalties, or even have to shut down operations.

Check if your state requires a Building Permit.

8. Signage Permit.

A Signage Permit is a document issued by a local government agency that allows a business to display signs on their property. In the case of starting a brewery, a Signage Permit may be required to display signs indicating the name of the brewery, hours of operation, and other important information. This permit ensures that the signage meets local regulations and does not pose a safety hazard to the public. Without a Signage Permit, a brewery may face fines or legal action for displaying signs without proper authorization.

Check if your state requires a Signage Permit.

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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the business licenses.

What is the best business formation license for a Brewery?

The best business formation license for a brewery would typically be a Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp). Both structures provide limited liability protection to the owners, which is crucial in the brewery industry due to potential risks and liabilities associated with alcohol production and distribution. Additionally, an LLC offers flexibility in management and taxation, while a Corporation may provide more structure and potential for growth through issuing shares. It is essential to consult with a business attorney or advisor to determine the best formation for your specific brewery business.

Is it required to have a general business license for a Brewery?

Requirements for a brewery business license can vary depending on the location and jurisdiction. In most cases, a brewery will need to obtain several licenses and permits, including a general business license, a liquor license, and any additional permits required by state, county, or local governments. It is essential to research the specific requirements for your area and follow the necessary steps to ensure your brewery is operating legally.
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