Bottom line: apply to the Georgia Department of Revenue, Alcohol & Tobacco Division for the State Retail Consumption Dealer license + a local alcohol license. You'll need a registered business, secured premises, local zoning approval, owner background checks, and public notice. Georgia is non-quota — you apply for a new license directly.
| Issuing body | Georgia Department of Revenue, Alcohol & Tobacco Division |
| License type (bar/restaurant) | State Retail Consumption Dealer license + a local alcohol license |
| Quota state? | No |
| State fee | State license ~$100 + local license fees that range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars |
| Typical timeline | 60–90 days, driven mostly by the local approval process |
A liquor-license consultant / expediter handles the Georgia Department of Revenue, Alcohol & Tobacco Division 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 Georgia Department of Revenue, Alcohol & Tobacco Division →
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 Georgia board.
In Georgia 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 Georgia Department of Revenue, Alcohol & Tobacco Division for the State Retail Consumption Dealer license + a local alcohol license. Georgia historically restricted Sunday sales by local referendum ('brunch bill') — confirm the local hours and Sunday rules for your jurisdiction.
Most states, including Georgia, weigh criminal history case-by-case; certain felonies (especially alcohol-, fraud-, or violence-related) can disqualify or require a waiver. The Georgia Department of Revenue, Alcohol & Tobacco Division makes the final call — disclose and ask them directly.
Usually yes — the Georgia Department of Revenue, Alcohol & Tobacco Division 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 Georgia Department of Revenue, Alcohol & Tobacco Division (Georgia'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 Georgia Department of Revenue, Alcohol & Tobacco Division before you apply. This is informational regulatory content, not legal advice; for a transfer or contested application consult a licensed attorney or licensing consultant.