Restaurant serving alcohol

Definition

See the rules for a restaurant or bar that prepares food and serves liquor, wine or beer to customers.

You will not need to fill out a restaurant application if you are serving alcohol.
Approval of your license may take 8-10 weeks.
You may need a public hearing. Your license inspector will schedule this.
Find your license inspector
Nightclubs and adult entertainment businesses are only allowed in downtown.

person holding wine glass with food on the table

Before you begin

You can find out the basics of how to start a business and apply for a license.

Meet with a Business Licensing inspector

Meet with a business licensing inspector to go over the requirements for your on-sale liquor, wine or beer license. Your business cannot open until you have your license.

Find your license inspector

Review the business license application

You must have a license to operate an on-sale liquor, wine or beer business in Minneapolis.

See the on-sale alcohol license applications

Request Sewer Availability Charge (SAC)

You may have to pay a fee for the waste water from your business.

About SAC fee application:

Apply for your SAC fee early. This fee can be expensive.
After you apply, the Met Council will send you a SAC determination letter in 10 to 15 days. This letter will tell you your SAC fee.

Apply online for your SAC fee

Find out if you qualify for the City's SAC deferral program for small businesses. Read about SAC basics

Complete a food plan review

You must submit plans for:

A new food or alcohol business, including food carts, kiosks, and trucks
Remodeling or expanding an existing food or alcohol business
Replacing food equipment that requires gas, mechanical or plumbing permits for installation
Adding ventless cooking equipment or ventless hoods

If you need to submit plans, they must be approved before you start any work.

Find more information about food plan review

Tell your new neighbors about your business

You must contact your council member, neighborhood organization, and business association.

Promote and create interest in your business
Network with local residents and leaders
Learn about resources they may offer small businesses.

Send an email to your:

See a sample letter

Make a plan to have a Certified Food Protection Manager

Minnesota state law requires restaurants to have a Certified Food Protection Manager at each location. They must be on staff within 60 days of opening. Certification requires attending an approved food safety class and passing an exam.

See the Certified Food Protection Manager requirements

Gather documents you will need for your license application

The application may require documents, such as:

A proposed menu
A floor plan for your space
Your food plan review

Submit all required documents and fees to Business Licensing

Submit your application to Business Licenses & Consumer Services by email, by U.S. mail or in person at the City of Minneapolis service center

Contact 311 or Business Licenses if you have questions.

See information about your operating your business

Business practices

Review employment and business resources.

Green To Go

Minneapolis has rules about containers for prepared food. Food and beverages that are meant to be eaten immediately off-site or taken to-go must be put in containers that are:

Reusable
Recyclable or
Compostable

You must dispose of containers properly:

Recycle recyclable containers
Compost compostable containers

Be prepared for health inspections

Your first routine inspection will occur within 60 days of opening. We focus on food safety. Be sure to follow good food safety practices and regularly complete a self-inspection.

Read about food safety