Selling liquor in your Oklahoma-based store opens up a whole new product line and the potential for increased profits. But if you want to enjoy that profit boost without a legal slap on the wrist (or worse), you need one thing in place: a liquor license.
Getting an Oklahoma liquor license starts with knowing what type of license you need, that your store meets eligibility criteria, and that you have all the documentation for the application. Already getting overwhelmed? You’re not alone. But we’re here to help!
This blog will walk you through the process of getting an Oklahoma liquor license in seven easy steps. We’ll also share the benefits of using a point of sale (POS) system created for liquor retailers like you to streamline the process and increase sales.
How To Get an Oklahoma Liquor License in 7 Steps
A liquor license is a legal authorization required for any business to sell alcohol to the public. In Oklahoma, this license regulates various aspects of alcohol sales, including the types of beverages you can sell, the hours you can sell them, and the quantity you can sell at once.
For grocery stores, the license specifies when and where you can sell alcohol, how much you can sell per transaction, how much you can charge, and whom you can sell to.
Failing to secure a liquor license can lead to severe consequences. Under the Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, operating without a license is considered a misdemeanor for the first offense, punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 and imprisonment for 30 days to six months. A second or subsequent offense is classified as a felony, resulting in additional fines, imprisonment for up to a year, or both.
Ready to get started? Here are seven steps to getting your Oklahoma liquor license.
Step 1: Understand the Types of Licenses Available
The Oklahoma Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission (ABLE) oversees liquor licensing in the state. All applications are processed online through their portal.
Here's a quick overview of the types of liquor licenses available in Oklahoma, and here’s what the application process can look like:
- On-premise license: For businesses selling beer and wine only on-site.
- Retail convenience store or grocery store license: Allows the sale of alcohol in grocery or convenience stores.
- Liquor store license: For stores specializing in selling liquor.
- Warehouse and storage license: For businesses involved in the storage and distribution of alcoholic beverages.
Each license type has different costs ranging from $75 to $3,000+. Find your license type here.
Step 2: Meet Eligibility Requirements
To even be considered for a liquor license, you need to meet certain criteria: you must be 21 years of age or older, have proof of Oklahoma residency, and have a clean criminal record. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must upload a picture of your permanent resident card on the application.
To prepare for this and the next step, gather any existing documentation and complete a background check before you apply.
Step 3: Gather Required Documentation
Once you’ve gathered the above information, the state has a comprehensive list of additional documents you need to provide:
- Business plan: Outline your business strategy and alcohol sales plan.
- Lease agreement: Proof of your business location.
- Personal identification: A driver’s license or passport.
- Certificate of Good Standing: Can be obtained from the secretary of state if your business is incorporated.
- Certificate of Incorporation: if applicable.
Make sure each document is current and meets Oklahoma state requirements. You can usually obtain these documents from your local government office or online.
Related read: Small Grocery Store Business Plan: 6 MAJOR Mistakes To Avoid
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
The Oklahoma ABLE Commission provides a handy guide for filling out a liquor license application, and if you’re lost, there’s even a video.
As you fill out the application, double check this fact sheet from the state to make sure your store can adhere to Oklahoma’s rules. Double-check all your information any time you have a chance to review the application. It may help to have someone watch while you do it.
Step 5: Submit the Application and Fees
Before you submit your application, triple-check that you have all the information you need. Any missing documentation will delay your application and your ability to sell alcohol.
Make copies of all your documentation for future reference, and be sure you pay the correct license fee.
Related read: How Much Does It Cost To Get a Liquor License?
Step 6: Await Review and Inspection
In the state of Oklahoma, anything related to obtaining a liquor license happens online, so keep an eye on your email for any updates. The ABLE Commission may also inspect your store. The review process can take up to 60 days from the filing of your application.
Step 7: Receive Your Oklahoma Liquor License
You will receive an email once your Oklahoma liquor license has been approved. It’s time to get a physical copy of your license and display it prominently in your store. Find instructions here.
Now that you have your Oklahoma liquor license, it’s important you stay in compliance with state regulations. To do this the easy way, invest in a point of sale (POS) system that can help.
At POS Nation, our POS system is built specifically with liquor stores in mind. In addition to helping your store stay compliant, other features include:
- Age verification features
- Mix and match bottle pricing to encourage customers to try new products
- Case break inventory tracking so you can easily track individual cases and bottles
- Cash discounting to incentivize customers to pay with cash
- Sales reports for valuable insights into your business
- Automated inventory ordering so you’re never caught short
- Easy management of coupons, bundles, and promotions
Just remember to renew your Oklahoma liquor license every year to continue to enjoy the benefits of increased revenue and an expansive product line.
Related read: The Ultimate Guide to Opening a Liquor Store: Expert Tips to Launch a Successful (and Profitable) Business
Get Your Oklahoma Liquor License and Start Selling With POS Nation
Don’t let the process of applying for an Oklahoma liquor license scare you off. By following these seven steps, you’ll be well on your way to successfully selling alcohol in your store.
Be sure to gather all your documentation before you start the process, and have someone double-check your work before you submit it to ensure a smooth approval process. Once you have your liquor license, invest in a POS system that can help you manage everything from compliance to age restrictions to inventory tracking, cash discounting, and more.
Schedule a demo today to see why POS Nation is the best system for your small business liquor sales.
