Bottom line: apply to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) for the Series 12 Restaurant (full spirits, ≥40% food, uncapped) or Series 06 Bar (full spirits, quota-limited/transferable). You'll need a registered business, secured premises, local zoning approval, owner background checks, and public notice. Arizona is a quota state, so a transfer of an existing license is common.
| Issuing body | Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) |
| License type (bar/restaurant) | Series 12 Restaurant (full spirits, ≥40% food, uncapped) or Series 06 Bar (full spirits, quota-limited/transferable) |
| Quota state? | Yes |
| State fee | $100 application + $1,500 one-time issuance; annual renewal Series 06 $150 / Series 12 $500 (+$30 surcharge). New quota Series 06 from the lottery also pays fair-market value to the state |
| Typical timeline | Series 12 ~65–105 days; Series 06 varies (open-market vs annual lottery) |
A liquor-license consultant / expediter handles the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) application, public notice, background packet, and (in quota states) the transfer paperwork — typically $2,000–$10,000 depending on complexity. Worth it if you're on a build timeline and can't afford a rejected application.
Start at the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) →
Tip for the owner: set AFFILIATE_LIQUOR_PRO_URL to a licensing-consultant lead-gen/affiliate link to monetize this CTA. Until then it points to the official Arizona board.
In Arizona you generally need: a registered business and secured premises, local zoning approval, owner background checks, public notice during the protest period, and an application to the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) for the Series 12 Restaurant (full spirits, ≥40% food, uncapped) or Series 06 Bar (full spirits, quota-limited/transferable). Arizona's Series 12 restaurant license is uncapped but requires 40%+ of gross sales to be food — choose Series 06 (quota, pricey) if you want a bar without the food ratio.
Most states, including Arizona, weigh criminal history case-by-case; certain felonies (especially alcohol-, fraud-, or violence-related) can disqualify or require a waiver. The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) makes the final call — disclose and ask them directly.
Usually yes — the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) issues the state license and your city/county typically requires its own permit plus zoning sign-off. Clear the local approval before or alongside the state application.
Looking in California instead? LiquorDesk also tracks surrendered & transfer-pending California liquor licenses by county, live from the CA ABC export — often a faster route than a new quota license.
Regulatory facts on this page are from the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) (Arizona's official alcohol-licensing authority). Verified against the board's published material on 2026-06-22. Fees, quotas and rules change — always confirm the current figures with the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) before you apply. This is informational regulatory content, not legal advice; for a transfer or contested application consult a licensed attorney or licensing consultant.