So you’re starting a business in Las Vegas and want to sell alcohol?

Before you pop bottles, you better have the right paperwork in place—or your big launch could end with fines, delays, or your doors getting padlocked.

Getting a liquor license in Las Vegas is a maze—state vs. city, zoning issues, bonds, background checks… the whole nine yards.

This guide is your shortcut to getting it done right.

If you’re a restaurant, bar, nightclub, hotel, or retailer trying to navigate Las Vegas liquor laws, this one’s for you.

What Is a Las Vegas Liquor License?

A Las Vegas liquor license is a legal must-have for any business that wants to:

1. Sell or serve alcohol
2. Manufacture or import alcohol
3. Run a bar, restaurant, or club that includes liquor on the menu

Licenses are issued by local governments (cities/counties), not the state—unless you’re manufacturing or wholesaling, then the Nevada Department of Taxation gets involved.

WARNING: Don’t Try This Without Knowing the Rules

Before we walk you through the 7-step process, here’s why people mess this up:

• They don’t know what type of license they need
  
• They skip local zoning checks
  
• They forget required documents (or fill them out wrong)
  
• They miss deadlines and lose their shot
  
• They operate without a bond and get shut down
  

If you want to avoid all that drama, keep reading!

How To Get Your Las Vegas Liquor License (Without Losing Your Sanity)

Step 1. Choose the Right Type of Liquor License

There are three main categories:

License Type	Who It’s For
Local Liquor License (Most Businesses)	You sell to customers in a bar, restaurant, or retailer
Importer/Wholesaler (State)	You sell alcohol to stores/restaurants
Manufacturer (State)	You make alcohol (breweries, distilleries)

If you’re selling alcohol directly to customers (bars, restaurants, retailers), you need a license from the city or county, not the state.

Pro Tip: Picking the wrong license = rejected app + weeks wasted.

Step 2. Understand the Local Requirements

Licensing in Nevada changes based on where you operate.

Zoning, business licenses, and health codes all vary by city.
What flies in Henderson might be banned in Boulder City.

1. Check your local ordinances
2. Make sure your business is zoned for alcohol sales
3. Get any required health or fire inspections lined up early

Step 3. Gather All the Paperwork

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Nevada liquor license application
• Nevada business registration
• Business tax permit
• Fictitious name certificate (if using a DBA)
• Federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) approval
• Ownership info & background forms

Even one missing doc can sink your application.

Step 4. Submit the Application

You can submit via mail, in-person, or online through the Nevada Department of Taxation.

But if your business is in one of these cities, your app must go to that city’s governing board first:

• Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, North Las Vegas, Carson City, Sparks, Ely, Elko, Fallon, Mesquite, and others

They’ll review and forward it to the state after they’re satisfied.

Step 5. Pay the Fees (And Don’t Miss Your Deadline)

Nevada liquor license fees range widely based on your type of business.

Importer/Wholesaler License:

• Importer (Beer Only) – $150
• Importer (Beer, Wine, Spirits) – $500
• Wholesaler (Beer Only) – $75
• Wholesaler (Beer, Wine, Spirits) – $250

Manufacturer License:

• Brew Pub / Brewer / Winemaker – $75
• Rectifier – $550
• Estate or Craft Distiller – $75

Other Costs:

• $15 Sales Tax permit per location
• Local fees for bars, restaurants, and retailers (up to $5,000+)

Miss your payment after July 15? Your license is canceled. No exceptions.

Step 6. Purchase a Liquor Bond

You’ll need to secure a Liquor Surety Bond as insurance against violations.

License Type	Bond Amount
Beer Only (Wholesale)	$10,000
Wine/Beer/Spirits Wholesale	$50,000
Brewer/Winemaker	$1,000
Rectifier	$50,000

Bond costs depend on your credit score. Expect to pay 1–15% of the bond total.

Step 7. Get Approved and Display Your License

Once everything checks out:

• Your license gets issued
• You must display it on-site
• You must renew it each year (pay by July 1!)

Forget to renew? You’ll get shut down and fined.

Liquor License Las Vegas FAQs (Straight Talk Style)

Q: How much does a liquor license cost in Nevada?

A: Anywhere from $75 to $5,000+ depending on business type and location.

Q: How long does it take to get a Liquor License In Las Vegas?

A: Plan for up to 6 months. The background check is the biggest slowdown.

Q: Can I get a temporary liquor license?

A: Some counties offer them for special events. You’ll need to apply locally.

Q: Can I sell alcohol w/o a license while I wait?

A: No. It’s a criminal offense with serious penalties (fines, shutdown, jail).

Q: Why are applications for a liquor license denied?

A: Incomplete paperwork, unpaid fees, zoning violations, or missing bond.

Download Your Free Nevada Liquor License Checklist

Want a done-for-you template with:

• Application requirements
• Fee chart
• Zoning prep worksheet
• Licensing timeline
  

Click here to download the Free Nevada Liquor License Checklist PDF.

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Schedule a consultation below.