A common reason to file a control order against a seller is the failure to make a purchase of liquor on the premises. This can be an extremely broad reason for sending the seller into the jurisdiction of the Control Division of the Liquor Commission. Other reasons for ordering controlled substances or alcohol include: the issuance of a liquor license to someone other than a resident of the area, the issuance of a liquor license to a business that is in close proximity to a school, the purchase of liquor from a person not the holder of a legal permit to sell, and many other circumstances. In some jurisdictions, minors are prohibited from obtaining a liquor license.
Many states have created an administrative procedure known as a background check. This procedure requires the licensed premises to furnish the state with a comprehensive list of people who are living or working on the premises. Included in the list are people who have had any convictions involving the sale and purchase of liquor. The purpose of this background check is to ensure that applicants for a liquor license to meet specific requirements and are not likely to commit future offenses.
A licensed premises is one of several requirements that a seller must meet before he can sell liquor to customers on the premises. The other requirements are that a seller must have adequate equipment and adequate means for procuring liquor if needed. Other requirements require that the seller provide customers with information on the different types of liquor available and advertising the availability of specific liquor. If advertising is required by law, then the seller must post signs within the premise informing customers where the different types of liquor are available. The advertising requirements often include posted signs and posting regulations found in the regulations of the local Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABCB).
Most states require that mixtures of alcohol be sold only in a particular container. One such container is the "holder's bottle" which is used to store all purchased beverages and to open the bottle for consuming. Other containers commonly used are kegs, pewter barrels and steel containers. The most common type of container used to sell alcoholic beverages is a counter top beer refrigerator, sometimes referred to as a keg refrigerator.
Before a person applies for a liquor license in any state, he must first acquire a state liquor permit. A person who has a valid permit to operate a licensed premise will then be entitled to buy liquor from that same licensed premise. Sometimes the state will issue licenses to people who have lived in areas for a long period of time without a problem. State licenses are also sometimes issued to companies that own bars and restaurants.
Another requirement for liquor licenses is that buyers show proof of identification. This includes showing proof of age by showing a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, or presenting an identification card from another jurisdiction. Some states have a special law that authorizes the issuance of liquor licenses to any person eighteen years or older who possesses a valid U.S. passport. This exception for the age requirement for a passport is meant to encourage tourists to visit other countries instead of returning home without their passport.
A person who is licensed to operate a licensed premise can make non-alcoholic beverages on his or her premises if the licensed premises have liquor sales permit. In these cases, all sales are conducted at the retail level, and customers may not consume any alcoholic beverages on the premises. An example of a premises where non-alcoholic beverage sales are allowed would be a hotel that allows customers to purchase room service without consuming alcohol. The hotel could also allow customers to order non-alcoholic beverages from a menu that contains foods that do not contain alcohol. The hotel could also allow customers to consume their favorite snack at the hotel's restaurant instead of purchasing food that is specifically for an adult drink.
Purchases made from a licensed vendor are subject to the tax code. A person who is licensed to sell liquor in the state of California can also purchase their wine in the same manner as they would sell their spirits. Wine purchases can be made in the same way that one can purchase any other beverage - by purchasing a "Wine of the Month" card from any winery that is licensed to sell liquor. Purchases made from licensed vendors are subject to taxation as per the tax code on wine.