What Is the Cost of a Liquor License in Indiana?

In Indiana, the cost depends on what you plan to serve.

The state’s Alcohol and Tobacco Commission handles the permits, and a beer-only renewal is $500, while a beer, wine, and liquor permit renewal costs $1,000, with new permits following the same fee schedule.

Restaurants serving beer and wine only pay a fee in between. Other state figures list this one at the cost of $750, so confirming the current figure with the commission is a must.

Each person who serves alcohol also needs a liquor license, and the three-year employee permit will cost around $45.

Indiana limits how many full permits exist in each area, based on population. If none are open where you want to be, you may have to buy one from an existing holder. In Indianapolis, owners have historically paid about $50,000 for a three-way permit, and prices can vary a lot by city.

So the state fee is small, but the real cost can be much higher. Before you sign a lease, check if a permit is available in your town. Also set aside time for the county alcohol board, since local approval comes first.