Alcoholic Beverage Outlet License

An Alcoholic Beverage Outlet (ABO) license is required to distribute alcohol of any kind in Orleans Parish. 
 

User Guides

 
All questions can be directed to abo@nola.gov
 

Before You Begin

Confirm that the Zoning district your location is in allows for the sale of alcohol by using this website: https://property.nola.gov/

 

Outside Agency Approvals Needed

 

  • Louisiana Department of Health (all places selling food or beverage for consumption)
    • 1450 Poydras St. Suite 1204, New Orleans, LA 70112
    • (504) 568-7970
  • Louisiana Office of Alcohol Tobacco Control (New Orleans Office)
    • 1450 Poydras St Suite 850, New Orleans, LA 70112
    • (504) 568-7028

 

Restrictions

If you, your spouse or any individual owning the business has been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor of moral turpitude in the last 5 years, you are not eligible to obtain an Alcoholic Beverage Permit.

If the application for an Alcoholic Beverage Outlet permit is denied, the applicant has the right to appeal the decision. All appeals are handled by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. The applicant has ten (10) days from the date of the denial letter to contact the Clerk of Council Office to request a denial hearing. The Clerk of Council can be reached at (504) 658-1124.

 

Fees

All alcoholic beverage permits expires on May 31st every year. Upon approval, the following fees are due prior to issuance:

  • Low Content (Beer): $135.00
  • High Content (Liquor): $500.00
  • Wine Permit (Wine Bars Only): $300.00
  • Occupational License: $50.00 

If the business is located in the Vieux Carre Commission (VCC) Zoning District, New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC), or Central Business Historic District Landmarks Commission (CDB HDLC), additional fees apply as follows:

 

VCC ABO Processing Fee: $50.00 VCC ABO Issuance Fee: $125.00
N.O. HDLC ABO Processing Fee: $50.00 N.O. HDLC ABO Issuance Fee: $125.00
CBD HDLC ABO Processing Fee: $125.00 CBD HDLC ABO Issuance Fee: $125.00

Payment for alcoholic beverage permits, must be made by checks, cashier’s check or money order.

Required Documents:

  1. COMPLETE THE OCCUPATIONAL AND ABO BUSINESS LICENSE: SHORT FORM
    Including the following attachments:
    1. Executed copy of your lease, if not owner
    2. Proof of tax clearance from City Bureau of Revenue
    3. Site Plan/Floor Plan (with seating arrangement and any stages)
    4. Application fees
    5. Acknowledgement of Bar or Restaurant Use Standards 
    6. Submit a copy of the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) application and inclusive of all attachments.
    7. Submit the completed application to the Department of Safety and Permits
       

Or, if you have not yet filed your ATC application: 

  1. COMPLETE THE OCCUPATIONAL AND ABO BUSINESS LICENSE: FULL FORM
    Including the following attachments:
    1. Executed copy of lease, if not owner
    2. Proof of tax clearance from City Bureau of Revenue
    3. Site Plan/Floor Plan  (with seating arrangement and any stages)
    4. Application fees
    5. Acknowledgement of Bar or Restaurant Use Standards
    6. Corporate documents
    7. Colored Copy of photo ID
    8. Supplement A forms
    9. Schedule F form (if required)
    10. Submit the completed application to the Department of Safety and Permits

 

Service provided by
1340 Poydras Street Suite 800 New Orleans, LA 70112

9am—5pm
Monday—Friday