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Beer/Wine License
Any business that sells Beer or Wine within the Raleigh City limits must obtain a Beer/Wine License before selling any alcoholic beverages.
- Businesses must FIRST obtain Temporary ABC Permits from the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission.
- Beer/Wine Licenses must be renewed prior to April 30 each year.
- Be sure to contact the Planning and Development Department at 919-996-2495 to ensure that the sale of alcoholic beverages is allowed at your business location.
Please Note: beginning with the 2024/25 license renewal period, all applications and renewals will be processed online, and paper applications will no longer be accepted. All existing and new licensees will be required to create an online account AND apply for a Beer/Wine license for each business location. Please see the instructions below for how to log in to the Raleigh Permit and Development Portal and create the Beer/Wine account.
If you have any questions, contact Revenue Services at: RevenueServices@Raleighnc.gov or 919-996-3200
How to Apply
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Register for your portal account |
Register or login to your Permit and Development Portal account. |
| 2. Apply for beer/wine license |
Apply for Beer/Wine license for each business location. |
| 3. City review and notification | Once the application is submitted and the fee is paid, the City will review submissions and reach out with any comments or questions. Upon approval, the City will issue your license and notify the applicant that the license is available on the portal for printing and posting at the business location. |
Hospitality Program Permits
The Office of Special Events oversees the permitting process for private use of public spaces, outdoor seating, is a liaison to the nightlife industry to ensure a more vibrant and safe community and manages projects of high consequence and public significance requiring coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
- Outdoor Seating: Outdoor seating allows activation of public streets, sidewalks and plazas by providing pedestrian amenities, supporting local businesses and fostering community interactions. Any business interested in seating on the public right-of-way must obtain a Sidewalk Seating Permit and/or a Streetery Permit.
- Nightlife Permit: A Nightlife Permit is required for any establishment intended for food and/or drink consumption that is of a specific assembly type according to NC Fire Code, has live or recorded entertainment after 11:00p.m., and alcoholic consumption is allowed. A Nightlife Permit ensures that such businesses operate in a safe manner and discourages criminal activities. Any business who meets these criteria must obtain a Nightlife Permit.
- Pushcart Vending: A Pushcart Vending Permit allows the operation of a mobile vending unit on City sidewalks. In order to sell, serve or give away food and/ or beverage on a pushcart in the public right-of-way, this permit must be obtained.
- Street Performers: Street performers are defined as any person or small group who conduct performances, such as playing live music, for entertainment purposes or voluntary donations on City sidewalks. Such use of the public right-of-way requires performers to obtain a Street Performer Permit.
- Newsrack: A newsrack is defined as a self-service container used for the distribution of printed material. To place a publication’s standalone newsrack on City sidewalk or use a cubby in the Fayetteville Street modular kiosks, a Newsrack Permit must be obtained.
- Sip n’ Stroll: Sip n’ Stroll is Raleigh’s social district, a designated area where alcoholic beverages can be purchased from a licensed ABC permittee and consumed outdoors. Currently, Sip n’ Stroll Downtown is the City’s only social district. If you are a business in this area, visit the Sip n Stroll website to opt-in or opt-out.
