Liquor Licenses

Qualifications & Requirements

Any establishment within the City of St. Joseph who intends to sell liquor must obtain a liquor license (PDF) by emailing Customer Services prior to opening for business.

Additional requirements include a business license and fire inspection permit. If food is sold or the business has an alarm system, additional permits may be required. An Application for Liquor License Checklist (PDF) is also available.

Existing Businesses

Existing businesses will be sent a renewal notice each year on or around May 1 and are due on or before June 30. Instructions will accompany each renewal. If there are any changes to the operations of the business, email Customer Services. This includes, but is not limited to, change of:

• Managing officer
• Ownership / corporate status
• Site address

Change of Managing Officer

Requirements for Change of Managing Officer for Existing Liquor License (PDF). If there is only a change in the corporate filing status, the last two pages are completed.

Code of Ordinance

View the St. Joseph Code of Ordinance Chapter 4 (PDF) for additional information.

Caterer's License

Catering permits may be obtained by completing the Caterer's License Application (PDF) at least five business days prior to the event. Catering permits are for businesses with current liquor licenses who may go to another off-site location to serve liquor on a temporary basis. The fee is $15 per day. View the Code of Ordinance Chapter 4 (PDF) Section 4-104 for additional information.

Picnic License

Picnic / festival permits may be obtained by completing a Festival Permit Application (PDF) at least five business days prior to the event. Non-profit organizations must obtain these permits for each event in which liquor is served. A corporate 501C-3 or 501C-6 must also accompany each application. The fee for this event is $37.50 per event. View the Code of Ordinance Chapter 4 (PDF) Section 4-203 for additional information.