Liquor-By-the Drink - Special Occasion License

The Commission may issue a special occasion license to a
bona fide charitable, nonprofit, or political organization to sell alcoholic
beverages at a fundraising event it produces. Events produced by other entities
are not eligible for special occasion licenses even if proceeds from such
events are later donated to bona fide charitable, nonprofit or political
organizations. 

A special occasion license is valid for one twenty-four (24) hour period. You can apply for this license using RLPS.

 

Requirements

  • Applicant must be a bona fide charitable, nonprofit, or political organization.
  • All proceeds from the sale of alcohol at the event must be directly deposited into the monetary account(s) of the nonprofit licensee. Such proceeds may not be deposited into accounts owned by any third party.
  • The special occasion license is not available for an event in which only a portion of proceeds go the license-holding nonprofit. Other such events may require a festival or other TABC license.
  • Applicants must submit a letter of permission from the owner of the premises where the event is to be held. Such letter should be issued to the bona fide charitable, nonprofit, or political organization that has applied for the license.

Restrictions

  • Special occasion licenses may only be granted for events in a city or county which has authorized the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption. A special occasion license may also be issued for an event within the unincorporated portion of a county if at least one (1) municipality in such county has approved the sale of alcoholic beverages at retail by referendum, or the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption by referendum.
  • Applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event. Applications submitted less than two (2) calendar weeks prior to the event may be rejected as untimely filed. 
  • All proceeds generated from the sale of alcoholic beverages pursuant to the special occasion license must be deposited directly into the special occasion licensee's monetary account(s) and not the accounts of any third party.
  • No charitable organization shall be eligible to receive more than sixteen (16) special occasion licenses in a calendar year.
  • A special occasion licensee may receive donated alcohol or purchase alcohol at retail but may not purchase alcohol at wholesale.
  • Any entity holding a special occasion license, its employees, or members of the icensee may transport wine and other alcoholic beverages to the location for which the special occasion license is issued. 
  • Special occasion licensees shall be responsible for complying with all state statutes, rules and regulations related to the sale of alcoholic beverages such as the prohibition of sale to minors and visibly intoxicated persons.
  • Special occasion licensees may sell sealed containers of alcoholic beverages such as wine bottles for off-premises consumption.
  • Alcoholic beverages cannot be sold or consumed between 3:00 A.M. and 8:00 A.M. on weekdays and 3:00 A.M. and 10:00 A.M. on Sundays, unless the county has made an exception, in which case, alcohol cannot be served between 3:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. noon on Sundays.
  • Special occasion licensees may not ship or deliver alcoholic beverages to patrons at any location other than the designated premises of the special occasion license.

Frequently Asked Questions