Overview
These licenses are for the sale of liquor by the glass for consumption on the premises where sold. A Restaurant License is required in conjunction with all new Liquor - On Sale Licenses except in the Downtown Business District and Commercial Development Districts. Wine and Malt On-Sale (Strong) Licenses require the sale of alcohol to occur in conjunction with the sale and service of food. Additionally, a majority of total sales must be attributable to the sale of food. Full On-Sale Liquor Licenses for new establishments located outside of the Downtown Business District and Commercial Development Districts can only be issued to hotels, restaurants, and non-profit private colleges. Restaurants require at least sixty (60) percent of all sales be attributable to the sale of food. If you have questions, contact a DSI Project Facilitator at 651-266-8989, or email the DSI Message Center.
Code Requirements
See Chapter 409 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code for information about on sale liquor licenses.
Application Requirements
- On-Sale Liquor License Application Checklist
- Information needed for your online application:
- Class N License District Council Form
- Interactive Map of District Councils
- Proof of current Secretary of State registration and Assumed Name Filing
- Sole proprietors operating under their legal name may upload a signed statement if not required to register with the MN Secretary of State.
- Business Purchase Agreement (Only for Change of Ownership applications)
- Business Plan
- Property Lease / rental agreement or proof of ownership
- Site and Floor Plan
- Fillable PDFs for your online application:
- The following documents are needed before license will be issued, but your Project Facilitator will contact you to submit these documents when needed.
- Federal Alcohol Dealer's Registration
- State of Minnesota Restaurant License
- Liquor Liability Insurance
*If you would like to complete your application on paper, please request a paper application by calling 651-266-8989, emailing dsi-informationandcomplaints@ci.stpaul.mn.us or stopping into our office at 375 Jackson Street.
Related Liquor On-Sale Licenses
The following licenses are add-ons to the Liquor On-Sale license that may be required based on the business operations.
- Brewery/Brew Pub - Off Sale Growler
- Gambling Location
- Entertainment
- Extension of Service Hours
- Liquor Catering (Annual)
- On-Sale Sunday
- On-Sale - 2 AM Closing
- Off-Sale Micro Distillery
- Outdoor Service Area (Patio)
- Outdoor Service Area (Sidewalk)
- Small Brewery (128 oz. serviced per person)
- Additional Family Member (Existing Licenses ONLY)
Inspections
- Your application will be administratively reviewed by DSI Licensing, Zoning and Fire Inspection staff. This review may include on-site inspections(s) to verify compliance with applicable regulations. You will be informed of any required inspections including the name and telephone number of the inspector after the submission of a completed license application. The location must comply with all applicable regulations and/or license conditions before a license may be issued.
- This license application is subject to the Public Notification Administrative Process.
- It will be necessary to obtain a Buyers Card from the State of Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division (AGED) at 444 Cedar Street, Suite 222, Saint Paul, MN 55101. You can also call them at 651-201-7507.
Fees
See Fee Table for current License fees
Expiration/Renewal
A Liquor - On Sale License will expire one year from date of issuance (or expire with Liquor Liability expiration date) and may be renewed annually.