Your Investment Your Success

According to Florida state law, a license is required for a business to sell beer, wine, and liquor. The main type of license for which businesses seek financing is what is referred to as a “quota” license, also known as a “4COP”. Quota licenses are created every time a county’s residents increases by 7,500. Meaning, if there are 15,000 new residents, that county would obtain 2 new 4COP licenses. While the cost of a license is $1,820, to obtain one on the open market, Pinellas County licenses are between $600,000 - $650,000.

The reality is that most bars and clubs do not have an extra $600k+ to purchase a liquor license when they’re in the process of opening. As such, owners look to seasoned professionals in the industry who can provide reasonable financing that can be paid by bar and club entrepreneurs via the cash flow of a business. By putting down a deposit of between 10-20%, depending on credit and other considerations, a new bar or club owner can then finance the remainder due. In this manner, both the owner and the liquor license finance company benefit from the new bar or club doing well.