Frequently Asked Questions ( OABCC )

Q	How do I apply for a Delaware liquor license?
A	The ABC Commissioner's office will need a letter of intent from the applicant giving the location of the proposed establishment. If it is a transfer of an existing liquor license, we need a letter of consent from the present liquor licensee before the process can begin. Once we have received the letter of intent, we will send the intent packet to the applicant instructing them to gather preliminary information and to contact the Deputy Commissioner for an Administrative Review or further instructions. At this time they will receive the necessary forms to apply for the license.
Q	What costs are involved in the liquor licensing process?
A	There is a non-refundable $500 processing fee. Licensees are required to have up- to-date copies of the Liquor Control Act (Title 4) and ABC Commissioner's Rules on their premise. These books are available for purchase for $50 from the ABC Commissioner's office or online at http://date.delaware.gov/dabcpublic/rules_laws.html. Licensees are required to have the prenatal warning and stop sign decal posted at each public entrance to the establishment. Both decals can be purchased from the ABC Commissioner's office for $12 per set. The license fee will be calculated at the time the license is approved by the ABC Commissioner. Since licenses are issued for a period of two (2) years, the fee will be pro-rated for the amount of the license term they will be utilizing their license.
Q	When and where are server training classes held?
A	There are two ways to find out this information. You may call (302) 577-5208 or (800)-393-7327 for this information. You can also find this information by going to the "server training" link on this website.
Q	What are the transport requirements for a Common Carrier (ex: truckers, UPS, Fed-Ex etc.)?
A	1. Must possess the Bill of Lading or invoice showing: a) Date of Issue b) The name and address of the consignor. c) The name and address of the consignee. d) Description of the package, stating number and contents. e) The signature of the carrier or his duly authorized agent.
Q	Why do I have to renew my liquor license so long before it expires?
A	Under Delaware law, all liquor licenses must be renewed ninety (90) days before they expire.
Q	What are the Daily Gathering license (DGA) requirements?
A	a) Proof of Not-for-Profit status b) OABCC completed application form. c) Permission from property/building owner to use property and sell alcoholic beverages d) Fee ($5 for first two(2) days, $2 for each day thereafter and $5 for Sundays e) Floor plan to the location of the premises where event will be held including designation of where alcoholic beverages will be dispensed.
Q	What types of Supplier Licenses are available?
A	A limited (OSL) license permits the licenee to ship up to 200 cases of alcoholic liquors per licensing year. An unlimited (OSS) license allows the licensee to ship an unlimited number of cases of product.
Q	How long is a Delaware liquor license valid?
A	The full term is two (2) years.
Q	What are the associated fees for obtaining a Delaware liquor license?
A	a) Limited (OSL) License Fee $50 b) Processing Fee for (OSS) $500 c) Unlimited (OSS) fee $500 d) Liquor Control Act $25 e) Commission Rule Book $25 f) Sales Representative (Per Person) $50
Q	What are the requirements for obtaining a Supplier’s license?
A	a)Completed Application b)Information on Officers, Directors and stockholders of the business c)Federal EIN d)Business address (address of corporation office and manufacturing facility) e)Business telephone number and fax number f)Name and telephone number(s) of contact person(s) for licensing and shipping matters. g)List of products to be sold under the license h)Designation of Delaware wholesaler with contract term dates. (If contract is written, an executed copy of the contract.) i)Certified Certificate of Incorporation or Articles of Incorporation for all corporations j)Current Certified Certificates of Good Standing kOperating Agreements (If LLC) l)Executed partners agreement (If partnership) m)Sales representative applications accompanied by the $50 fee per application. n)Assignment of Brand Distribution Form. (This form allows for adding new products, adding new wholesaler, notification of expiration of existing contract, etc.)
Q	How do I obtain a list of Delaware liquor licensees?
A	a) Write a letter to the OABCC requesting a list of information. (Can be ordered by county, business type, zip code, license number, alphabetical, etc.) b) Submit a check in the amount of $25 for the list. The check should be made payable to "OABCC".
Q	How do I protest an application for a liquor license?
A	Please refer to Title 4 section 524 (d), http://delcode.delaware.gov/title4/c005/sc02/index.shtml#P264_38881
Q	How do I protest an existing licensed premise?
A	Please refer to Title 4 section 304(5). http://delcode.delaware.gov/title4/c003/index.shtml#P34_2936