Louisville Metro ABC Local Licensing

 

 

See the steps below on how to obtain an Annual Alcoholic Beverage License within Louisville Metro.

For procedures on how to apply for a Special Temporary ABC licenses click here.
 

 

Annual Local ABC License 

Review the following Cost: 

 

Metro ABC License Types & Fees

Metro Fee Schedules

Louisville Metro Wet / Dry Precincts

Metro Preliminary Steps 

STEP 1.  APPLICATION:

Submit a copy and/or application number of your completed state ABC application(s) and all attachments to the Louisville Metro ABC office along with the Louisville Metro ABC local application fees and required documentation stated on the application.

STEP 2.  ZONING CONFIRMATION:                                                            

Every ABC applicant will need to contact Planning and Design, 444 S. 5th St., Suite 300, phone (502)574-8662.  There is a $25.00 charge for the Zoning Confirmation and return to ABC.

Other Required Forms in addition to State Application

• Zoning Verification Form (PDF)
• Extended Hours Application  (PDF) (if being requested)                                

STEP 3. TAX CLEARANCE

Obtain local tax clearance from the Louisville/Jefferson County Revenue Commission located at 617 W. Jefferson St, Louisville, Ky. 40202. Phone (502) 574-4860 and from the Jefferson County Attorney Office of Delinquent Taxes located at 200 S. 5th Street Suite 200N,  Louisville, KY. 40202. Phone (502)574-6336 to make sure all delinquent property taxes owed to Louisville Metro Government are paid or have verifiable payment arrangements made. No ABC license will be issued unless all taxes owed are in compliance. After you have obtained their approval; return the clearance form to the Louisville Metro ABC Office. 

Tax Clearance Form (PDF)

STEP 4. HEALTH DEPARTMENT:

Every ABC applicant that will sell food and/or alcohol by the drink must obtain a health certificate from the Louisville Metro Health Dept. located at 400 E. Gray Street, phone 502-574-6650. A copy or proof of inspection must be furnished to the Louisville Metro ABC Office before an ABC license will be approved.

 

STEP 5. AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION:                                                          

Every ABC applicant is required to advertise by publication his or her intention to apply for an ABC License.  Complete the Affidavit of Publications form and submit to The Courier Journal.  When the Ad has been posted, a clipping of the advertisement and the Affidavit of Publication must be attached.

 

STEP 6. REMODELING, EXPANDING, NEW CONSTRUCTION

Any ABC premises under construction, remodeling, or expanding the premises to be licensed must obtain BUILDING CODE APPROVAL AND ZONING APPROVAL. Please remember your Louisville Metro ABC licenses will not be issued until all approvals and certificates of occupancy have been issued.

 

STEP 7. METRO APPLICATION FEES:  

Prepare a certified check, cashier check or money order. Make payable to: (Metro Finance).  You are now ready to submit your application, attachments, and application fees to the Louisville Metro Office.

 

STEP 8. FORWARD TO STATE ABC OFFICE:

You will also need to Apply with Kentucky State ABC via: (KY State ABC License Application) with the same license types requested on your local application. In the state of Kentucky, it is required to have both local and state approval to become a licensed premise. Louisville Metro application(s) process usually takes a minimum of 30 – 45 days to process before approval may be given; Therefore, please complete and submit application(s) well in advance of your opening date as to allow ample time for both Metro Louisville ABC and the State ABC time to process, review and  issue your State alcoholic beverage licenses.

 

STEP 9. APPLICANT POSTAGE REQUIREMENT
Every ABC applicant must post notice of the application for original license, any amendments to original license, or application for additional license.

• Must be posted at time application is filed and remain posted until approval or denial
• Must be at least 14 point font size
• Printed on at least 8.5X11in yellow paper of durable material

*Failure to post notice may result in a delay of the approval or denial process.

Click here to download posting.  Here is an example. 

 

Kentucky State ABC address:

Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

500 Mero Street, 2NE33

Frankfort, Ky 40601

NOTATION:
In order to sell alcoholic beverages in the Louisville Metro every premise must have a Louisville Metro, State and Federal License. Listed below are contact numbers for each of these offices.

1. Louisville Metro ABC Offices 502-574-3591
2. State of Kentucky ABC Office 502-564-4850