Minnesota liquor manufacturers and wholesalers are required to get a license and surety bond by the state Department of Public Safety‘s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division. Keep reading to find out more about the licensing and bonding process.
Minnesota liquor manufacturers and wholesalers can choose from several classifications on the license application, and they pay a licensing fee based on the type of license they are applying for:
- Wholesaler of intoxicated liquor�$15,000 licensing fee
- Manufacturer of intoxicated liquor�$30,000�licensing fee
- Brewer producing between 2,000-3,500 barrels annually�$500�licensing fee
- Brewer producing more than 3,500 barrels annually�$4,000�licensing fee
- Wholesaler of wine�$3,750�licensing fee
- Wholesaler of malt beverages�$1,000�licensing fee
- Wine manufacturer�$500�licensing fee
- Microbrewer (brewing under 2,000 barrels annually)�$150�licensing fee
- Brew pub�$500�licensing fee
- Farm winery�$50�licensing fee
Since all liquor manufacturer and wholesaler applicants apply on the same application form, they provide much of the same basic information:
- Names and contact information of all partners, officers, directors, etc.
- Description of storage and warehousing facilities, and/or of bottling and production capability
- Basic federal permit and any other permit numbers
- Addresses of all branch establishments in the state
Be sure to fill out the license application completely. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, and licenses are valid for one year from the date they are issued. Each liquor salesperson wholesalers or manufacturers employ must apply for an identification card, along with a $35 fee.
A surety bond is required of Minnesota liquor manufacturers and wholesalers (except brewpubs) to ensure they abide by state laws, specifically Minnesota Administrative Rules Section 7515.0300 and Minnesota Statutes Section 340A.101. It also ensures that manufacturers and wholesalers pay the taxes mandated by the state. Should the bondholder cause financial damage to consumers, or fail to pay taxes, the surety bond can provide a means of repayment.
The amount of surety bond coverage the licensee needs depends on the type of license being applied for:
- Wholesalers and manufacturers of intoxicated liquor�$10,000 surety bond
- All brewers, including microbrewers�$1,000 surety bond
- Wholesaler of wine�$5,000�surety bond
- Wholesaler of malt beverages�$1,000�surety bond
- Wine manufacturer�$5,000�surety bond
- Farm winery�$5,000�surety bond (new licensees only)
Contact the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division or consult their website with questions about licensing. Single Source Insurance can help you get the surety bond you need to get licensed!