A liquor bond, or alcohol surety bond, is a financial guarantee that those who deal in alcohol will pay all taxes on alcohol-related transactions, as well as comply with all laws and industry regulations. While bars, breweries, and liquor stores commonly need a liquor bond, it may also be needed for any company that manufactures, warehouses, or transports liquor. Generally, those with good credit can expect to pay 1% to 5% of the minimum required amount, which will vary by state.
In this liquor bond guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know:
A liquor bond is a financial guarantee that your business will pay alcohol taxes and comply with all rules and regulations related to your industry. Since a liquor bond is often a prerequisite of securing your liquor license, getting bonded is a crucial part of staying legally compliant.
Within a surety bond arrangement, there are three parties you should note:
Liquor bonds are also called alcohol bonds, alcohol beverage control bonds, brewer’s bonds, on-premise beer bonds, and wine bonds. All of these serve the same function — pay your taxes on alcohol transactions and comply with all regulations.
Let’s say your governing agency looks into your bar and discovers you’re less than timely on paying your alcohol taxes. Specifically, you owe $2,000 in unpaid alcohol taxes. To get what’s owed (the government always does), a file is claimed against your liquor bond. The surety confirms the claim is valid and pays the governing agency the outstanding balance of $2,000.
If you’re opening an establishment that sells alcohol, such as a bar, brewery, or winery, then you’ll need to secure a liquor license. One requirement for obtaining your license is to furnish a liquor bond. This bond serves two primary functions:
Keep in mind that liquor bond requirements extend beyond the sale of alcohol to the general public. Any company that manufactures, warehouses, or transports liquor may also need to secure a liquor bond before they can legally do business.
When buying your liquor bond, you’ll need to take note of three things:
When a claim is filed, the surety can either approve or deny it after conducting an investigation. A denied claim typically indicates that there is no evidence of your non-payment of taxes or violating any laws. If the claim is approved — it’s proven true that you did not pay all required taxes, for example — then the obligee can claim the amount owed.
Keep in mind that surety bonds do not function the same way as insurance. In an approved insurance claim, your provider will cover the loss. For approved surety bond claims, on the other hand, you are 100% liable. The surety may pay the claim but you are still responsible for repaying the surety that full amount.
Since each state or county can set its own minimum requirements for a liquor bond, the cost can vary per location. Generally, premiums will cost 1% to 5% for those with good credit. Business owners with low credit or less-than-strong business financials can expect to pay higher premiums.
For example, let's say your governing agency sets the minimum bond requirement at $25,000. A good-credit applicant can expect to pay between $200 and $250. On the other hand, somebody with poor credit may pay $2,500 (10%) and up.
Business owners can easily secure a liquor bond through conventional insurance companies or businesses that specialize in surety bonds. Generally, buying a bond is a straightforward process that can be done quickly and completely online:
Submit an application that includes your personal and business information (e.g., business name and address).
Receive a premium quote based on your qualifications.
Purchase and receive your bond (or refuse and shop around).
File your liquor bond with the governing agency requiring the bond.
Fortunately, liquor bonds are pretty simple to buy and do not have the stringent requirements that other types of surety bonds would require.
Obtaining a liquor bond is a simple process when applying with Worldwide Insurance, Inc. After completing our initial application form, you can get an instant quote in minutes. With rates starting as low as 1%, we issue all types of surety bonds in all 50 states. No credit check required and no obligation.
A liquor bond is a financial guarantee that a commercial entity that deals in alcohol will pay all required taxes on alcohol. The bond also requires that the business stays compliant with all industry rules and regulations. As a prerequisite of securing a liquor license, breweries, wineries, and liquor stores commonly need liquor bonds.
Premiums will generally cost 1% to 5% of the minimum required amount, which will vary by state or county. A $50,000 liquor bond, for example, can cost between $400 and $500. Those with good credit will typically qualify for cheaper rates, while poor-credit applicants can pay a 10% premium or higher.
Terms on liquor bonds often last one year or however long your liquor license is valid for. You will need to pay another premium to your surety to renew your bond and stay legally compliant.
Yes, bad credit applicants can still get bonded but may face higher premiums. Worldwide Insurance, Inc. works with thousands of business owners — even those with low credit — to help them meet their bonding requirements.
Visit our list of bonds by state to get a closer idea of your bonding requirements. To learn more about surety bonds in general, check out our free surety bond guide.