Selling beers at a bar

[Zwan05]

Does anyone know what would need to be done to legally sell my beers at a bar? Someone told me i need a distributer license? Im assuming this is state by state and i live in NY. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[remilard]

Does anyone know what would need to be done to legally sell my beers at a bar? Someone told me i need a distributer license? Im assuming this is state by state and i live in NY. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

You would need brewing licenses from the State and the Feds to produce the beer. You probably cannot produce it in your home and perhaps not on property zoned residential.

To self distribute it, if your state allows this, you may need a separate license for that.

If it affects your decision, expect at least a few thousand in licensing fees and probably a lot of your life for several months or more to navigate the paperwork.

 

[broadbill]

This topic comes up frequently....every 2 weeks or so. Some searching and you'll find that its really difficult to do.

 

[jerryalan]

You'll need to look into the liquor laws in NY. Also talk to what ever department controls the liquor production and sales. Each state varies.

 

[Zwan05]

wow thanks for the fast response guys, i guess there is no easy start in this industry. I wasnt too serious about it but i have a friend who owns a bar so i thought it might be easy just to sell a few there. Guess not!

 

[bruin_ale]

This topic comes up frequently....every 2 weeks or so. Some searching and you'll find that its really difficult to do.

I don't know.. it didn't seem all that hard in the HBHoss Starting a NanoBrewery thread.

 

[KevinW]

Go here first and start reading, you should be able to find out
most of what need:http://www.abc.state.ny.us/wholesale

One thing I would recommend is asking those in the business there in your state! It is not impossible otherwise no one would be selling any alcoholic beverages anywhere! Invest a little time and you may be pleasantly surprised, or not! lol

Good luck and keep us updated on your quest!!

 

[Maxkling]

wow thanks for the fast response guys, i guess there is no easy start in this industry. I wasnt too serious about it but i have a friend who owns a bar so i thought it might be easy just to sell a few there. Guess not!

Well the best route would get your friend to get the proper "brewpub" license. Then brew at your house or bring your supplies to his bar. If you brew at your house you have to take the wort to the bar and add yeast there and condition, then keg/bottle.

I believe that's how it goes...

 

[Homercidal]

I think having the bar owner get a brewpub license is the easiest way. But yeah, You'd have to brew there and he'd have to go through the process of getting the license, which may be a bit of work. But lots of places are doing it.

 

[MaltMonster]

Why don't you talk to these guys, they're in Buffalo as well:

http://www.communitybeerworks.com/

Here is a link to an article written about them today. In the article they say they reach out to homebrewers that want to get into nanobrewing:

http://www.lenndevours.com/2011/04/upcoming-nanobrewery-will-take-local-to-the-next-level.html

 

[noggins]

Go to a byob bar, and give away your beer in exchange for donations.

 

[IrregularPulse]

Just set up a stand out front and start selling. Someone will be by shortly to let you know.

 

[noggins]

yeah, or do what the neighborhood kids do to sell lemonade: paint the word "BEER" on a bedsheet, put it over a card table in front of your house, and sell it .25 cents per cup.

 

[Teromous]

There was a website that would sell a book with all the info you need on certain states. They were advertising in Zymergy...or BYO or something. I can't find the site now I can probably dig it up in a magazine...it was called brewerylaws or beerlaws or something like that.