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Liquor License Process Overview
| Need to Know - If you are considering locating a bar or restaurant in Scottsdale, it is important to be aware of city license and zoning requirements (prior to committing to a business location or submitting a liquor license application to the State.) In some instances, bars may require a Conditional Use Permit that may take 4-6 months to obtain. This webpage outlines a six-step process to ensure you are fully informed/aware of the specific regulations that relate to bars/nightclubs and restaurants in Scottsdale. |
Download Overview (pdf/60kb/1p) information in pdf format.
Step 1) Identify what type of State Liquor License (Series #) you are applying for.
Step 2) If you are applying for any of the following State Liquor Licenses you may
also have to acquire a city of Scottsdale conditional use permit:
| Series 03 – Microbrewery | Series 12 - Restaurant |
| Series 06 – Bar | Series 13 - Domestic Farm Winery |
| Series 07 – Beer & Wine Bar | Series 14 - Club (Private) |
Step 3) Determine whether your establishment is a bar/nightclub or a restaurant.
In Scottsdale, you are considered a bar/nightclub or cocktail lounge if
you meet any of the following criteria.
Bar service area more than 15% of the gross floor area
If you do not have a kitchen
Age verification is requested for admittance
A cover charge is required for admittance (except for special
events
approved through city’s special event process)Less than 40% of gross revenues are generated from the sale of
prepared foodThe business remains open and liquor sales continue but the
kitchen closes before 9 p.m.
If you checked any one of the above, you are considered a bar and may be required to obtain a conditional use permit. Proceed to step #4 for information about determining applicability. If you did not check any of the above criteria, you can proceed to step #5.
Step 4) If your business meets any of the above criteria, please contact the City of Scottsdale immediately to determine applicability of the regulations and the most efficient process to meet the regulations. You may contact Current Planning at (480) 312-7000 to schedule an appointment. Your appointment will take place at the city’s Planning, Neighborhood & Transportation Office.
Step 5) All liquor license applications in Scottsdale are required to complete the appropriate questionnaire for your specific type of business:
- a Restaurant/Bar (pdf/134kb/2pp)
- a Retail/Wholesale Establishment (pdf/127kb/1p)
Either fax to (480) 312-7088 – Attention Teri Gleason, or deliver to the One Stop Shop. Normal business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Step 6) Scottsdale Tax and License requirements. Contact (480) 312-4162.
