Liquor license?

Question

I have the liquor license hearing for my pub tonight. Is there anyone who can give me an overview on what they migh ask me, what I need to have prepared, ect? This is in the US.

(Maine, US)

Answer 1

Where in the US are you? When I've gotten my liquor licenses it was just a matter of paperwork (a LOT of paperwork), but I never had to have a hearing!

OK, you'll need to know or estimate what percentage of your sales are going to come from booze, and how much from food. You should draw out by hand what the seating looks like, how many tables, chairs, where the restrooms are, where the exits are, etc... (It's just freehand, nothing fancy) They'll ask if someone of age will be the bartender and which employees will have access to booze if they're underage (tell them NONE). They might ask if you've had an inspector in yet to see your set-up and approve it (like sinks and handwashing stuff). They'll probably ask about hours of operation and if you plan on having bouncers if you think the crowd will get rowdy.

They just want to make sure you'll handle your pub in a responsible way. Oh and they do look at your past personal record too. If you're clean and seem prepared and answer everything in a good fashion, they usually OK it.

Answer 2

they're gonna probably ask you about security, backgrounds of the bartenders, smoke eaters if your city allows smoking, hours you plan on being open, and if you are in a neighborhood : noise and crowd control, parking, etc...

also if you're already established and something happened at your bar such as an underage drinker they'll ask what happen that night, who was watching the door and ask how you're going to prevent it from happening again.

if that happens apologize and assure them that it wont happen again and that you plan to increase your security and/retrain your staff to prevent another ocurrance.

if it's your first offence , they'll probably let you go with a warning the first time, and maybe a fine.
they may close you down for a couple of days, but you can ask for that to happen on your slower days...monday tuesday

i can halp you more but i would need to know how you're having the hearing with.