1. The applicant and/or the president of the corporation must be 21 years of age.
2. YOU MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN TO OBTAIN A LICENSE. If you list a country other than the United States as your place of birth you must show proof of citizenship. Please see the section marked “Citizenship Requirements”.
3. All persons who are part owners and/or will profit from the business must be listed on the application, except for a corporation, then the officers and the local manager should be listed in the section provided and a separate ‘permission to release information’ sheet must be completed and signed for each person listed. Please include your social security number. Please see the section marked “Citizenship Requirements”.
4. The main entrance of the business establishment must be at least 275 feet from the main entrance of a church and school.
5. Determine the type of license you are applying for. The type of license will determine the specific qualifications you must meet in order to operate a business selling alcohol. Please review the sub section pertaining to the type of license you are applying for contained in these instructions. A copy of Ordinance 228 with Amendments is available upon request and it is recommended that you read and understand this ordinance.
6. Fill out the application COMPLETELY. Your completed application package MUST contain all the accompanying signed off inspection sheets. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will cause delays in processing your application.
7. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact these offices for the required inspections:
•  City Planner,  256-574-3100 x224
•  Building Inspector, 256-574-3100 x233
•  Electrical Inspector, 256-574-3100 x229
•  Fire Marshall, 256-574-2617
•  County Health Department, 256-259-4161
8. Submit your completed application along with the $150.00 application fee ($50.00 for Transfer) to the Revenue Office located at 316 S. Broad St.
9. If the City Council approves the application and issues the Approval Letter this Office will contact the ALABAMA STATE ALCOHOL BEVERAGE CONTROL BOARD in Huntsville, AL at  256-726-0401
10. When you have received your State License bring it and your health department Certificate (if required for your business) to the Revenue Office and your business license will be issued at this time.

Licenses shall be granted and issued by the City only to reputable individuals who are citizens of the United States or to associations whose members are reputable individuals, who are citizens of the United States, or to reputable corporations organized under the laws of the State of Alabama or duly qualified hereunder to do business in Alabama, or, in the case of manufacturers, duly registered under the laws of Alabama, and then only when it appears that all officers and directors of the corporation are reputable individuals and are citizens of the United States, and that at least 51 percent of the capital stock is actually owned by individuals who are citizens of the United States; provided, the residence or citizenship requirements of this subsection do no apply to manufacturer licenses.

LOUNGE OPERATED IN CONNECTION WITH A HOTEL, MOTEL, OR RESTAURANT

1.      Must have at least 1000 square feet on one floor in one room.

2.      Must have at least 2 off street parking spaces for every 100 square feet of floor space.

LOUNGE NOT OPERATED IN CONNECTION WITH A HOTEL, MOTEL, OR RESTAURANT

            1. Must have at least 2000 square feet on one floor in one room.

            2. Must have at least 2 off street parking spaces for every 100 square feet of floor space.

 PACKAGE STORE

            1. Must have a minimum of 750 square feet of floor space for display and sales and may not count floor space not used for sales or not open to the public.

            2. May not contain any doorway or pass through that opens or may be opened into an adjoining building. The Fire Marshall may make exceptions to this for safety reasons but the opening must remain closed except in emergencies.

            3. Must be at least 200 feet from gasoline dispensing pumps as measured in a straight line from the center of the front door to the nearest pump.

RESTAURANT SERVING LIQUOR

            1. Must have 1000 square feet on one floor in one or more rooms able to accommodate 50 or more guests.

            2. Have a kitchen apart from the dining area but adjoining the dining area.

            3. Must serve at least 1 meal per day at least 5 days per week.

            4. Must have a minimum of 2 off street parking places for each 100 square feet of space inside the establishment.

CLUB CLASS 1

            1. Must be formed in good faith under the authority of law.

            2. Must have 150 paid up members.

            3. Must hold regular meetings.

            4. Must belong to all the members.

            5. Must regularly serve meals and maintain facilities to serve meals.

            6. Must regularly elect officers.

            7. Must admit members by application.

            8. Must have 1000 square feet in one room for serving alcohol exclusive of the kitchen.

            9. Must have a minimum of 2 off street parking places for each 100 square feet of space inside the establishment.

CLUB CLASS 2

            1. Must be formed in good faith under the authority of law.

            2. Must have 100 paid up members.

            3. Must hold regular meetings.

            4. Must belong to all the members.

            5. Must regularly serve meals and maintain facilities to serve meals.

            6. Must regularly elect officers.

            7. Must admit members by application.

            8. Must have 2000 square feet in one room for serving alcohol exclusive of the kitchen.

            9. Must have a minimum of 2 off street parking places for each 100 square feet of space inside the establishment.

OFF PREMISE BEER AND/OR WINE

            1. Must have at least 275 feet from the nearest school or church and measured from the front door of the establishment to the front door of the church or school.

ON PREMISE BEER AND/OR WINE

            1. Must have 500 square feet in the establishment for the consumption of beer and wine, or either, be equipped with table and chairs accommodating at least 24 people at one time.

            2. Must be a minimum of 200 feet from any gasoline dispensing pump as measured from the center of the front door to the nearest pump.

            3. Must have facilities to wash and sanitize glasses and equipment used to serve alcohol that meet the State, County, and City requirements.

            4. Must have restroom facilities that meet State, County, and City requirements.

            5. Must have a minimum of 2 off street parking places for each 100 square feet of space inside the establishment.