Who Can Get A License
Port Wentworth liquor and beer licenses may be issued in the name of natural persons, corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies. Applicants and other persons involved with partnerships, corporations, or limited liability companies, must be at least 21 years of age.
All corporations and limited liability companies must be registered with the Georgia Secretary of State's Office and authorized to do business. Foreign corporations and foreign limited liability companies must also register with the Secretary of State and be authorized to do business in Georgia.
Applicants do not have to be a United States citizen or a Port Wentworth resident to acquire a liquor or beer license and the existence of a criminal record does not preclude a person from licensure. However, applicants with criminal records must be able to provide evidence of rehabilitation or they may be denied a license.
Background Check
After an alcohol license application has been filed, a copy of the application will be forwarded to the Director of Public Safety who will run a criminal history background check on the applicant for review by Mayor and Council.
Decision Guidelines
New licenses and Transfer of Ownership licenses are granted based upon demonstration that the surrounding neighborhood "needs and desires" the issuance of a new license and that the moral character of the applicant is acceptable to the local and state licensing authorities.
How Long Does It Take
The liquor license process generally takes two to three months or longer to complete. Therefore, you must communicate with the Occupational Tax Registrant far in advance of your opening date or desired date to sell. Failure to file applications in a timely manner will most likely result in a delay.
Once A License Has Been Issued
No license for the sale, handling, giving away or other disposition of malt or alcoholic beverages shall be issued to any person unless and until Mayor and Council have voted affirmatively upon the matter at a regular City Council meeting. In the event the vote of Council favors the issuance of an alcohol license, such license will be authorized for issuance. Once you have been issued the City of Port Wentworth Alcohol License, you must contact the Georgia Department of Revenue, Alcohol Division, by clicking here, to apply for the state license. The local and the state alcohol licenses are required for authority to sell, serve or distribute alcohol. All certificates should be visibly posted at the business establishment.