A liquidator’s permit is required whenever alcohol transfers ownership or possession between licensees. The most common example is when there is a sale of a licensed business. The seller must file the liquidator’s permit application, the fee (currently $36) and a detailed inventory of the alcohol being transferred. The inventory can be manually counted and written on notebook paper and still meet minimum requirements, however an Excel spreadsheet or inventory prepared by BevCo, InBev or other service providers is preferred.
If a temporary permit application is filed, the liquidator’s permit application should accompany it.
Failure to file for the liquidator’s permit can be a violation charged against the licensee, incurring fines of around $1500.
Only unopened full bottles can transfer ownership. If the business principal converts ownership from the business to himself personally (e.g. takes the liquor home for personal use), no liquidator’s permit is required.
There is however, one impediment to receiving a liquidator’s permit. The licensee (seller) cannot be on any COD delinquent list of alcohol vendors. Until the account is cleared, no liquidator’s permit will be issued.