Beer/Wine Licence

[neilsuzy]

Anybody have any experience applying for beer/wine licence for off site consumption (grocery store sales). It seems you have to be a US citizen or resident alien to apply. Do they issue licences subject to visa approval or do you need to apply once you have (hopefully) got visa approval.

[peter gold]

You have to be a US citizen or resident alien to apply. They are rationed and very hard to get
Treading on mafia ground here !

[neilsuzy]

Does it vary state to state ?

[InnVic]

it does vary from state to state - from personal experience I know that in NH legal residents (temporary or otherwise) can hold a liquor license - but not in VT unless your a citizen. If you google the state your interested in government department their websites are usually fairly informative.

[davidmartin_uk]

In New Hampshire you just have to be a resident (for tax purposes) Although our lawyers at the time did have to argue this with the states attorney general office that an E2 made you a resident so it was a bit difficult. I hold the type of license you are looking for. We had to go on an owner/manager training course within 6 months of getting a temporary one and then got a full one.

There are ways round it if other states don't allow. You can pay a trusted employee (manager or the like) a small retainer maybe $100 a month to hold the license for you. It would need setting up by a lawyer as they need to be protected financially from any fines etc.

In NH they are not rationed and unless your wathching to much of the Sopranos there is no mafia here!!

Dave

[neilsuzy]

Thanks David.
I was hoping you might respond as we are looking at NH.

[davidmartin_uk]

Certainly in NH and Ma there are lots of stores/gas stations that sell liquor that are owned by non US citizens. The convenience store route is very popular with Asians for E2's.

What area are you looking at?

Dave

[davidmartin_uk]

You can't apply before you get your visa or remotely. You have to attend the liquor office on the day you purchase the biz with all the relevant proofs, Bills of sale, trade name registration, visa etc etc. You can set it all up beforehand but forms and payment have to be done on closing. Ours costs around $360 a year for selling of beer and wine. In Nh hard liquor (defined by alcohol content) can only be sold by State Liquor stores.

Dave