What to know about an on-sale liquor license:

• You need one for a restaurant or bar that serves liquor, wine or beer for drinking on-site.  
• You do not need to fill out a separate restaurant application.
• You may need a public hearing. Your license inspector will schedule this.
  See license inspector map
• City approval of your license may take 8 to 10 weeks. 

Before you begin

Use this information only as a general guide.

See list of requirements

Look at our information about: 

• How to open a new business
• Sewer Availability Charge (SAC)
• How to apply for an alcohol license

Application

See on-sale liquor application

Fee

Find your license fee

Submit your application

Submit your application to Business Licenses

Restaurants and bar serving alcohol must:

• Follow State and City regulations:
  • See Minnesota Food Code
  • See Minneapolis Food Code
• Record some employee illnesses:
  • Read about employee illness
  • See Sick and Safe Time resources for food businesses

Food safety

You are responsible for food safety. This includes control of food from preparation to serving customers.

See City and State food safety resources:

• Minneapolis food safety
• Minnesota Food Business Safety

Food plan review

You must submit plans to: 

• Open a new food or alcohol business, including:
  • Food carts
  • Food kiosks
  • Food trucks 
• Remodel or expand an existing food or alcohol business 
• Replace food equipment that needs any of these permits for installation:
  • Gas
  • Mechanical
  • Plumbing  
• Add ventless cooking equipment or ventless hoods  

The City must approve your plans before you start any work.   

See food plan review

Green To Go

Minneapolis has rules about containers for prepared food. 

Food and beverages prepared to be:

• Eaten immediately off-site or
• Taken to-go

Must be in containers that are:  

• Reusable 
• Recyclable or
• Compostable

Read more about required containers

Read City code rules