On-sale 3.2 beer license

Definition

An on-sale 3.2 beer license lets a business serve beer with low alcohol content for customers to drink on site. The beer has low alcohol (3.2% by weight).

This license is usually for places like restaurants, bars, hotels, or clubs.
It does not allow selling beer to take home.

What to know about an on-sale 3.2 beer license:

You need one for a restaurant or bar that serves 3.2 beer for drinking on-site.
3.2 beer is malt liquor containing 3.2% alcohol by weight.
You do not need to fill out a separate restaurant application.
You may need a public hearing. Your license inspector will schedule this.
See license inspector map
City approval of your license may take 8 to 10 weeks.

Before you begin

Use this information only as a general guide.

See list of requirements

Look at our information about: 

Restaurants and bar serving alcohol must:

Follow State and City regulations:
- See Minnesota Food Code
- See Minneapolis Food Code
Record some employee illnesses:
- Read about employee illness
- See Sick and Safe Time resources for food businesses

Food safety

You are responsible for food safety. This includes control of food from preparation to serving customers.

See City and State food safety resources:

Food plan review

You must submit plans to:

Open a new food or alcohol business, including:
- Food carts
- Food kiosks
- Food trucks
Remodel or expand an existing food or alcohol business
Replace food equipment that needs any of these permits for installation:
- Gas
- Mechanical
- Plumbing
Add ventless cooking equipment or ventless hoods