Alcoholic Beverage License

Documents and resources

Contact and mailing information

Mailing address:  Finance Department, Business License Office, PO Box 6015, Columbia, MO 65205
Physical location:  Finance Department, Business License Office, 701 E. Broadway, 5th Floor
Phone:  573.874.7376 or 573.874.7378; email: Business.license@CoMo.Gov

Chapter 4, Columbia code of ordinances

It is unlawful for any person, either by himself or through the use of agents or servants, to engage in the manufacture, brewing, sale or distribution of intoxicating liquors or nonintoxicating beer, within the City without first having obtained a license. (Section 4-2, Columbia Code of Ordinances)

How to apply for alcoholic beverage license

Vendors may apply online through the Citizen Self Service Portal (CSS). For instructions on creating an account, see the CSS instructions page.

Paper applications for a City Alcoholic Beverage (Liquor) License may also be obtained online or from the Business License Office located at 701 E Broadway. A valid Business License in the City of Columbia is required in addition to the liquor license. 

The Liquor License application must be approved by the pertinent departments as well as the Finance Director. The approval process takes approximately two weeks at which time a license is issued by the Business Services Manager.

criminal record check is required for each individual owner, partner and all members of an LLC.  If the applicant is a corporation, the managing officer, each offer and director, and all shareholders who own 10% or more of the stock of the business must obtain a criminal record check. If the owner, partner or managing officer is a naturalized citizen, proof of citizenship must be submitted.

Statement of No Sales Tax Due shall be provided at time of application, which can be obtained from the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573.751.9268.

Alcoholic beverage license terms

Liquor Licenses shall be issued for a period of one year from July 1st through June 30th of each year. Persons desiring to secure licenses after June 30th shall pay for such portion of the license year remaining at the time such license is issued. If there is a change in the managing officer, please complete the Alcoholic Beverage License Application to Change Managing Officer form.

Deadline for Submission of Renewal Documentation and Fees

Renewal of your liquor license and payment of fees must be received by the Business License Office by May 1, annually.  Per Section 4-5(e) of the City Code of Ordinances, late charges will be added as follows for failure to renew and submit fees by the stated deadline:  

  • Renewals received between May 2 and May 30 will incur a $100 late fee
  • Renewals received between June 1 and June 30 will incur a $200 late fee
  • Renewals received after July 1 will incur a $300 late fee

Certificate of No Tax Due

A Certificate of No Tax Due from the MO Dept. of Revenue must be received by the Business License Division before your liquor license can be issued.  Contact the MO Department of Revenue at 573.751.9268 or email [email protected].

If any information on your most recent Liquor License application has changed, please forward the updated information to Business.license@CoMo.Gov.

Temporary Alcoholic Beverage Licenses

  • Picnic License is issued to nonprofit/charitable groups for liquor sales. The fee is $15.00 for a period not to exceed seven (7) days.
  • A Sidewalk Cafe license is issued to businesses already possessing a valid liquor license to sell such products on the public sidewalk adjacent to their place of business. Guidelines are attached.
  • A Caterer’s Permit is issued to businesses already possessing a valid liquor license to go off premises to serve alcohol. The fee is $15.00 for each calendar day the permit is issued which shall not exceed 120 hours.  If the event that is being catered will be held outdoors, a diagram and description of the extended licensed area must accompany the caterer’s permit application.  If tents will be utilized, please contact Building and Site Development Division at 573.874.7474.  The location must also be ADA accessible.