ScottsdaleAZ.Gov

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 your may also have to acquire a city of Scottsdale conditional use permit:

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 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 food

  The 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 Eva Wallace at (480) 312-7000 to schedule an appointment.  Your appointment will take place at the city’s Planning & Development Services Office.

Step 5)   All liquor license applications in Scottsdale are required to complete a questionnaire (PDF / 4pgs / 459 kb) and 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)  A Scottsdale (city) liquor license application (PDF / 1pg) is also required. Contact (480) 312-4162.