Intoxicating Liquor Licenses
"Intoxicating liquor" is defined as ethyl alcohol, distilled, fermented, spirituous, vinous and malt beverages containing more than 3.2 percent of alcohol by weight.
Intoxicating liquor licenses are needed for:
- On-sale, where the intoxicating liquor is consumed on the premises where it is sold, and
- Off-sale, where the intoxicating liquor is sold in its original packaging and consumed off the premises from where it is sold.
A special license is needed for:
- Sunday on-sale
- On-sale 2 a.m. closing
- Selling both on-sale and off-sale at one premises
- Temporary sales for 1-4 days by a club or charitable, religious, or nonprofit organization
Businesses or clubs that do not have a liquor license cannot have alcoholic beverages onsite. A Consumption and Display Permit is required if alcoholic beverages are consumed — but not sold — on-site without a liquor license. A "set-up" or mixer for intoxicating liquor can be sold with this permit.
Available applications
An on-sale intoxicating liquor license can be issued to hotels, bowling centers, clubs and restaurants. Alcoholic beverages can be sold and consumed at the licensed premises.
2026 fee: $4,525
License year: Jan. 1 to Dec. 31
An off-sale intoxicating liquor license can be issued to store that only sells intoxicating liquor and 3.2 percent malt liquor at the licensed premises. Alcoholic beverages must be sold in its original packaging and can't be consumed on the premises.
A public hearing will be held by the Board of Commissioners before this license is approved.
Fee: $800
License year: Jan. 1 to Dec. 31
Businesses should apply for a combination on- and off-sale intoxicating liquor license if alcoholic beverages will be consumed onsite at the location where it is sold and if alcoholic beverages will be sold in its original packaging and not consumed on the premises.
A public hearing will be held by the Board of Commissioners before this license is approved.
Fee: $4,981
License year: Jan. 1 to Dec. 31
On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Application
Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License Application
With a permit, an on-sale intoxicating liquor license holder can sell intoxicating liquor on Sunday from 10 a.m. until midnight. An additional application is not required. Mark “Sunday Sales" on the on-sale intoxicating liquor license application.
Fee: $200
License year: Jan. 1 to Dec. 31
An on-sale intoxicating liquor license holder can sell intoxicating liquor between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. with approval from the State of Minnesota.
Fee: $4,149
License year: Jan. 1 to Dec. 31
A club or charitable, religious, or nonprofit organization can apply for a temporary license to sell intoxicating liquor. A temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license can be issued for 1-4 consecutive days.
A temporary on-sale license can be issued to an organization or to a location for no more than 12 days in a 12-month period.
Fee: $77
License term: 1-4 consecutive days
Businesses or clubs cannot have alcoholic beverages onsite or serve liquid to mix with intoxicating liquor if they do not have a liquor license.
A Consumption and Display Permit is required if:
- Alcoholic beverages are consumed onsite without a liquor license, or
- "Set-ups" or mixers for intoxicating liquor are served.
Fee: $297 + separate State of Minnesota fee
Term: One year from April to March
Businesses or clubs cannot have alcoholic beverages onsite or serve liquid to mix with intoxicating liquor if they do not have a liquor license.
A Temporary Consumption and Display Permit is required if:
- Alcoholic beverages are consumed on-site without a liquor license, or
- "Set-ups" or mixers for intoxicating liquor are served, and
- Temporary use is limited to 1 day.
Fee: $25
Term: One day