If you intend to operate a full-service restaurant, have the minimum requirements for square footage, available seating, menu items, sales percentage, and you intend to sell liquor in addition to beer and wine, you will need a 4COP-SRX license.
So, obviously, the question of what license is best depends on what type of establishment you are operating, in addition to a couple of other requirements. It is easy to see if your establishment is a bar, nightclub, or lounge if you purchase only a 2COP or 2APS license allowing the sale of beer and wine only instead of the proper 4COP-QUOTA liquor license in Florida your revenue and possibly your entire business can be negatively impacted and actually put you out of business if you are unable to sell liquor. FLORIDA LIQUOR LICENSE OR BEER AND WINE ONLY?
Under a certain set of circumstances, package sales of beer and wine in sealed containers is allowed under this license as well.ĢAPS is for the sale of beer and wine for consumption off-premises and is the type of license most convenience stores, supermarkets, and gas stations hold. In order to obtain this type of license, the requirements are a bit different from the 4COP-SRX license in that the number of these licenses available is dependent on the population.įor a new quota license to be created, the population in that county must increase by 7,500 and in order for an owner to acquire one of these licenses he must either purchase one from an existing holder or win one during the yearly lottery.ĢCOP is for beer and wine consumption only on the premises no liquor or “spirits” can be sold, and these licenses are commonly held by small restaurants or sandwich shops. These licenses are generally held by bars, nightclubs, and taverns.
In addition, at any time alcohol is sold, full meals must be sold as well. FOUR MOST COMMON FLORIDA LICENSESĤCOP-SRX is for restaurants selling beer, wine, and “spirits,” or liquor on premises only in connection with a legitimate restaurant having between 2,500 and 5,000 square feet, table seating for 150 to 250, and revenue of at least 51% from the sale of food and non-alcoholic beverages exclusively.
In Florida alone, there are several different types of licenses. You may think all licenses to sell alcohol are the same however, there are differences in the licenses available and you could be making a costly mistake by limiting the types of drinks you can sell if you buy the wrong one for your business.įirst of all, anyone who intends to sell alcoholic beverages must have a license to do so.