How to read the report

The report is in three columns and shows current information about each new applicant for a liquor license. The left column contains the DBA (doing business as) name of the establishment plus the address and the City Council District in which the business is located.

The center column contains information about the type of business and what licenses the owners have requested. A new establishment's first request will always be either a new liquor-by-drink or package sales license. Existing licensed businesses may also be requesting extensions or changes to their current license. For example, an existing convenience store that currently sells 5 percent beer only may be applying to sell full package liquor, or an existing tavern may be applying for a 3 a.m. license.

The last column shows the stages of the application process. The following list describes these stages of the process, numbered in the sequence of a typical application. Depending on the type of license, the applicant must complete certain requirements before the license is granted. The requirements for any new liquor license include the approval of 50 percent or more of consenting neighbors within a certain distance of the establishment. Similarly, applicants for a Sunday license, a 3 a.m. license or a downgrade from a restaurant/bar to a tavern must also obtain consents and meet other requirements.

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  • KCPD guide for nightlife establishments

Steps of the liquor license application process

1 - New application

This indicates that the Regulated Industries Division has received an application. The next contact with an applicant usually occurs seven days following the presentation of the application when a investigator meets and interviews the applicant to determine what will be required for the application.

2a - Awaiting documents

When the application is for a change of managing officer or sale of an existing premises, the investigator only requires certain documents before the application is sent to the supervisor for approval. No neighborhood consents are required. Step 5 follows.

2 - Pre-consent

Covers the period after an application has been assigned to an investigator and before consents are sent out, usually seven to 14 days after the initial application date.

3 - Consent period

Most licenses require written consent of neighbors within a certain radius of the the business. During this period neighbors may formally oppose the granting of a license. Initially, the consent period is 45 days but an applicant may request an extension.

4 - Post-consent (awaiting documents)

After a majority of consents are received, the final documents must be received by the Regulated Industries Division before the application can progress. Usually, with a new establishment, these final documents are occupancy, health and/or fire permits. Once complete, the application moves toward the final approval process. Failure to obtain 50% or more consents is cause for denial of the license.

5 - Pending supervisor approval

All of the stages above are completed by investigators, who then turn in the case to their supervisor for review. The supervisor ensures that all requirements of City ordinances have been met.

6 - Pending manager approval

The manager of the Regulated Industries Division reviews each application and makes a final determination as to suitability in the location.

7 - Approved

After the manager has approved a license, it is formally approved by the Regulated Industries Division and State Liquor Control is notified. The applicant must obtain a matching state license before the City's license is released.

8 - Application complete

The license is ready to be posted in public view at the business. The business may begin selling alcohol to the public.

Denied

Denial could be due to many reasons, such as unsuitability of the location due to high crime rates, population density insufficient, failure of applicant to submit required forms, failure to receive 50% or more of consenting neighbors, etc.