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Beer & Wine License
- Who Must Have A Beer & Wine License
- Licensing Period
- Licensing Fees
- Penalties - Operating without a license
- apply for a license
- contact us
You must obtain a beer & wine license if . . .
- If you sell beer and wine, you must first obtain a permit from the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (NCABC).
- After obtaining the permit from NCABC, you must apply for a beer and wine business privilege license from the City of Durham Revenue and Collections Division, located on the 1st floor of City Hall, Suite 1100. Applications can be submitted online.
Beer & wine licenses must be purchased annually and are valid from May 1st through April 30th of the following year. Renewals must be completed by May 1st each year.
Taxes & Fees
- On-Premises licenses (EX. restaurants or lounges) = $30
- Off-Premises licenses (EX. convenience or grocery store) = $15
- Beer & Wine Privilege License Fee Schedule
Penalties for Operating Without a License
- It is the responsibility of each individual to determine whether the business conducted is taxed under the City ordinance, and if so, whether that tax has been paid for the current year.
- No person or business entity conducting business within the city limits of the City of Durham for which a beer and wine business privilege license is required, shall do so without first obtaining a beer and wine business privilege license and paying the appropriate fee(s).
- Businesses violating these requirements shall be liable for prior unpaid business license taxes and subject to a penalty of 5% of the annual license tax for each month that the business operates without a license, up to a maximum of 25% per year.
How to Apply
- New applications can be submitted online, mailed in or dropped off in person at: 101 City Hall Plaza Suite 1100.
- The waiting period for application approval is approximately 90 days from the date you submit the application. You will be notified when your application has been approved.
For Questions
- On Site: 101 City Hall Plaza Suite 1100
- Call: (919) 560-4700
- Email: [email protected]
- Available: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Closed on City of Durham government holidays.
Service request:
Click or call 919-560-1200