Is it Illegal to Sell Alcohol Without a License?
In general, yes. The US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) says no one may sell or offer to sell distilled spirits, wine or beer as a business without registering with it. Wholesalers and importers also need a federal permit, and retail licenses come from your state or local authority. Penalties for selling without the right state license depend on your state, so check its alcohol agency.
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Bottle Sizes and Shots Chart (PDF): Every legal US bottle size for spirits and wine: fluid ounces, 1.5 oz shots (= standard drinks), 5 oz glasses and UK units. 50 rows, each with its source.
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We use your email only for this download.Federal level
- Retail sellers: TTB says no person may engage in the business of selling or offering to sell distilled spirits, wine or beer without registering with TTB (form TTB F 5630.5d). Register before opening, once per location.
- Wholesalers and importers: anyone who buys alcohol to resell at wholesale, or imports it, must first obtain a basic permit from TTB.
State and local level
TTB states that it does not issue a license to sell beverage alcohol at retail. You must get that from your state or local licensing authority. TTB’s pages do not cover state licensing, so the rules, fees and penalties differ by state.
Penalties
TTB’s retail dealer page does not list a specific penalty for failing to register. It warns that failure to comply carries severe penalties, including possible criminal prosecution. It also lists fines and prison terms for other violations, for example fraudulent failure to keep required records (up to $10,000 and up to 5 years).
Selling to other businesses
A retailer that sells to another dealer for resale needs a wholesaler’s basic permit first. A retailer selling 20 wine gallons (75.7 liters) or more to one buyer at one time is presumed to be a wholesale dealer.
This is general information, not legal advice. Check with your state alcohol agency or a lawyer. Laws change.
People also ask
Does TTB issue a retail liquor license?
No. TTB says it does not issue a license to sell beverage alcohol at retail. That comes from your state or local licensing authority.
Do I need a federal permit to sell alcohol at retail?
Retailers register with TTB on form 5630.5d. A federal basic permit is needed for wholesale and import activity.
What is the penalty for selling alcohol without a license?
TTB lists no specific penalty for failing to register, only severe penalties in general. State penalties vary, so ask your state agency.
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