Alcohol License Transfer

A license transfer application is required when the location and/or ownership of any type of alcoholic beverage license is changed. This is required as part of SDCL 35-2-7.

Fee

• The total license fee is $160 per license type for the basic transfer of a beer, wine, and liquor license ($150 transfer fee plus $10 publication fee) payable to the City of Sioux Falls.
• The fee must be submitted with the application. Cash, check, or credit/debit card are accepted.
• You will incur a card service fee if you pay with a credit or debit card.

Forms Required

• The entity that is transferring/selling the license (current owner) must complete an Affidavit of Bulk Sale form
• The entity that is purchasing the license must complete the Uniform Alcoholic Beverage Application form and submit the fee.
• The applicant must also apply for a South Dakota sales tax license online. You may also contact them at 605-367-5800. This is a requirement of SDCL 35-2-25.

Processing Timeline

The time frame from when the application forms and fee are received by the Licensing Specialist until City Council action is approximately four to six weeks due to publication requirements (SDCL 35-2-5).

• After City Council approval, please allow another 10 to 14 days for the state to issue the license. The Licensing Specialist will send the license to you.
• The current license holder must make their final sales tax payment before the license can be released to the new owner.
• Business operations can continue during the transfer process if agreeable to both parties.

Please contact the Licensing Specialist for more information.

Restrictions

• The Applicant and managing officers of the corporation must be of good moral character and never convicted of a felony (SDCL 35-2-6.2).
• Any licensee must be the owner or actual lessee of the premises where the business is conducted and the sole owner of the business operated under the license (SDCL 35-2-6.3).
• The applicant must also obtain a sales tax license and the names must exactly match the alcoholic beverage license (SDCL 35-2-25).
• A retail licensee may only buy or receive alcoholic beverages from a licensed wholesaler (SDCL 35-4-60).