Losing a restaurant’s liquor license is a major issue in the US. It is one of the biggest fears of all restaurant owners as it is quite expensive and a hassle to get the approval back. Different reasons might lead to losing your alcohol license. Below are some common reasons for having the liquor license revoked:
1. Over-serving Alcohol
The quantity of alcohol served to customers should be within certain limits. If the quantity exceeds the limits and the customer becomes intoxicated, he might be in an accident or may sustain some form of personal injury. It could affect your business negatively and result in the confiscation of your liquor license.
2. Refusing Intoxicated Patron
The bartender must be aware of the consequences of being drunk. They should know how and when to refuse the customers politely if they exceed the drinking limits because in case of any personal injury the injured may hold the restaurant accountable for it. The best way to avoid over-serving is to hire experienced staff.
3. Serving Alcohol to Underage Youth
You should avoid serving alcohol to those who are under the age of 21. For this reason, it is a good idea to check the IDs of customers before letting them enter the restaurant.
4. Keeping Improper Documentation
Another common mistake that could lead to your restaurant’s liquor license being revoked is not having proper documentation. Documentation means papers proving where the alcohol is being manufactured and processed. Do not use illegal and unregistered suppliers. You should have a record of all your purchases either in a digital or hard-copy form.
5. Violent and Aggressive Customer
Some customers, after intoxication, become aggressive and start violent behaviors. You should have such experienced staff to calm the customer in a friendly way. An uncontrolled aggressor could drag you into an unwanted scenario that leads to losing your liquor license. To avoid such a situation, you should know how to deal with such problematic customers.
6. Not Taking Covid 19 Precautions
- If you are not taking proper precautions against public health, you are likely to lose your liquor license. Nowadays the state is monitoring all establishments to take care of their customers’ health by taking preventive measures to combat covid 19. these preventive measures are; Maintaining at least a one-meter distance between each customer.
- They should make sure that they have hand sanitizers at the restaurant.
- The staff should also make sure they check the covid 19 vaccine certificates of their customers before serving them.
7. Undefined Selling Hours
If your restaurant has a license to sell alcohol it does not mean you can sell it at any hour. There are some specific timings at which the liquor authority allows you to serve alcohol otherwise you can lose your liquor license.
8. Staff Consuming Alcohol
While watching a lot of people drinking alcohol, the staff of the restaurant might also consume a glass or two of alcohol while on duty. It is illegal that staff to drink alcohol while on duty which could lead to cost you your restaurant liquor license.
9. Unlawful Activity
If some unlawful activity such as drug selling, gambling, and prostitution is taking place at your establishment it can seriously put you into hot water. This along with revoking your liquor license might lead to the closure of your establishment by the liquor authority.
For assistance with reapplying for the license, contact us.