Alcoholic Beverage Outlet License

User Guides

• Requirements for New Alcoholic Beverage Permit
• Guide to doing business in New Orleans
• Restaurant License Guide

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 expire on May 31^st every year. ABO renewals are due annually on April 1^{st .} 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:

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

Required Documents

APPLY ONLINE

One Stop App

Include 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 Use Standards 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, signed, and notarized application to the Department of Safety and Permits via One Stop App.

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

APPLY ONLINE

One Stop App

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 Use Standards or Restaurant Use Standards
6. Corporate documents
7. Colored Copy of photo ID
8. Supplement A form (included in full application)
9. Supplement F form (if required, included in full application)
10. Submit the completed, signed, and notarized application to the Department of Safety and Permits via One Stop App

Other Useful Links

• Renovation Permit
• Manager's Permit
• ABO & Live Entertainment Renewal
• Live Entertainment Application
• Special Event Permit 
• OCCUPATIONAL AND ABO BUSINESS LICENSE: SHORT FORM
• OCCUPATIONAL AND ABO BUSINESS LICENSE: FULL FORM