Q.     How long does it take to get a license?
R.     The time varies, depending on several factors: the length of time taken to process
         and get CIB reports back; whether or not paper work is in order; inspector's schedule,
         Commissioner's review of file.

Q.     Are personal checks or cash acceptable?
R.     License fees must be paid in the form of a Certified Check, Cashier's Check, or
         Money Order.

Q.     What is the distance restriction concerning a church or school?
R.     Three hundred (300) feet measured front door to front door, as people travel.

Q.     Can an individual get a liquor license?
R.     An individual may obtain a retail nonintoxicating beer or wine license so long as he/she
        has been a resident of West Virginia for two (2) years prior to making application.
        Any establishment selling liquor to consume on the premises is considered a private club;
        and private club licenses may be issued only to corporations, associations, or limited
        liability companies.

Q.     A license is good for how long?
R.     All licenses expire June 30 of each year and must be renewed at that time.  The fiscal
         year is July 1 to June 30.

Q.     When a business is sold, can the license be transferred?
R.     A license is not transferable from one person or entity to another.

Q.     Can a license be transferred to another location?
R.     A license may be transferred from one location to another, provided the proper forms
         are completed and submitted to this office and the location transfer meets with the
         approval of the ABCA inspector and Commissioner.

Q.     Can a person who is not a resident of West Virginia obtain a license?
R.     An individual applicant must have been a resident at least two years prior to making
         application.  If the applicant be a corporation, the officers and directors are not
         required to be residents so long as the on-site manager has been a resident at least
         two years prior to application being made.  If the applicant be an association or
         partnership, all members or partners are required to be residents two years prior to
         making application.  If the applicant be a limited liability company, the members
         and/or managers of the company are not required to be West Virginia residents so
         long as the on-site manager has been a resident for a period of not less than two
         years.

Q.     Can an out-of-state corporation obtain a license?
R.     A out-of-state corporation would be required to get a "Certificate of Authority to Do
         Business in West Virginia" from the Secretary of State's Office.

Q.     How do I form a corporation, association, or limited liability company?
R.     Contact the Secretary of State's Office to get information on obtaining necessary
         forms and registering the entity.

Q.     Why is it necessary to register the trade name?
R.     It is a requirement of the Secretary of State's Office that, when an entity does
         business under a name other than the entity name, the trade name (d/b/a) name
         must be registered and certified with that office.

Q.     What are some of the most common reasons that license renewals are
         returned?
R.     1.  All of the required signatures are not on the form. For a corporation, the
              president or vice-president of the corporation must sign the application itself
              and the bonds.  If an association, each person listed as a member of the
              association must sign all of the paperwork.

 2.  The beer or alcohol bonds are incomplete or incorrect. Each section on the bond
      applying to the licensee must be completed in the proper section. There are
      specific sections for each type of entity- a corporation, an association, an
      individual or partnership. The proper section must be completed. Also, be sure
      the appropriate individuals have signed if it is a new bond form. (See item #1)

 3.  Improper form of payment. The only forms of payment accepted for license fees
      are cashier or certified checks or money orders.

 4.  Failure to answer all questions. Please answer every question on the renewal
      application., Even if all of the officers are the same as last year, We need them
      listed anyway. Renewal applications are relied upon for keeping our files updated
      and accurate.

Q.     What if I’m ready to renew my license but the health department does not have
         my new health permit ready?
R.     You should go ahead and send your renewal to the ABCA with a note that you will
         send your new Health Permit as soon as you get it.  We will not hold up your renewal
         for a health permit, but you must send a copy of the new permit as soon as you get it
         so that we can complete your file. If current health permit is not received by February
         of fiscal year, you will be notified and license will be placed on hold status until the
         health permit is received

Q.     What information is available on the ABCA Website?
R.     Liquor stores can download the wholesale spirits catalog. Also available for
         downloading is a listing of all retail licensees and their addresses. Other information
         includes staff information, history of the agency, monthly violation settlements,
         licensing information, and a link to an interactive blood alcohol test.

Q.     How do I get to the ABCA offices?
R.     DIRECTIONS TO THE ALCOHOL BEVERAGE CONTROL ADMINISTRATION OFFICE -
         322 70th Street, SE, Charleston, West Virginia 25304 (304) 558-2481 or 1-800-642-8208
         Traveling from the West Virginia State Capitol, stay on 77 south, which is the same route as 64E.
         Take the McCorkle Avenue Exit, or Exit 95. Go 61 south (or east) at the split, or right. You will travel
         past Bob Evans, Lone Star Restaurant, Kmart, and then after you go under the Interstate Bridge, you will
         see the 70th Street marker on the left side of the road, just beside of the Massey Coal Services building,
         travel to the back of the building to park and enter the building parallel with the turnpike to speak to our
         receptionist.

Q.     What information is available on the ABCA Website?
R.     Liquor stores can download the wholesale spirits catalog. Also available for
         downloading is a listing of all retail licensees and their addresses. Other information
         includes staff information, history of the agency, monthly violation settlements,
         licensing information, and a link to an interactive blood alcohol test.

Q.     What are the hours of operation of private clubs, taverns and retail liquor stores?
R.     The Hours of Operation for these establishments can be found here.

(Anyone having questions they would like to have answered in this space may
submit their questions to the ABCA at 322 70^th Street, S.E., Charleston, WV 25304,
visit our Staff contact page or submit a comment.