If you operate a restaurant in Florida and are considering including alcoholic drinks on the menu, there are some requirements you have to meet to do so. First, you must have a beer, wine, and liquor consumption on-premises license (4COP-SFS) issued by Florida’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco.
Under state laws, your restaurant must fulfill the following conditions to get a license to serve liquor on the premises.
- Your restaurant must have at least 2,500 square feet of service area
- It must be equipped to serve meals to 150 persons at a go
- Most of its revenue (at least 51%) must come from the sale of food and nonalcoholic beverages.
If your restaurant meets the above prerequisites, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Important considerations before applying for a liquor license
Before seeking a 4COP-SFS license for your restaurant, you should train your staff on the dos and don’ts of serving alcohol on the premises. You do not want to get in trouble with regulatory bodies or have your license revoked for non-compliance. For instance, it is crucial to have an effective ID policy to avoid serving alcohol to minors.
You also need to have proper insurance coverage in case anything happens on the premises. An alcohol-fueled fight could cause injuries and property damage, which is why you must ensure you are sufficiently covered.
Reach out for assistance to avoid costly mistakes
A liquor license for your restaurant can boost your profits. However, it comes with the risk of potential legal and financial sanctions on your business for non-compliance with the law. Understanding Florida liquor licensing laws, the processes involved in obtaining a license, and your options if things don’t work out as you envisioned will help you materialize your plans.