Liquor Licensing
The Duluth City Clerk’s office issues licenses for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the city. Chapter 8 of the Duluth City Code outlines the city’s rules and requirements related to liquor licensing. The City Code closely follows the requirements of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 340A, which governs the licensing and sale of alcoholic beverages statewide.
Applicants for liquor licenses are required to appear before the Alcohol, Gambling & Tobacco Commission prior to their license being approved by the Duluth City Council. Please note that your application may also be subject to approval by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division.
If you are interested in obtaining a liquor license, please contact the City Clerk’s office for assistance in determining which license best suits your needs and what documentation is required.
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION AND PAYMENT AT LEAST 60 DAYS PRIOR TO WHEN YOU INTEND TO BEGIN SERVICE OR SALES OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
IF YOUR APPLICATION IS RECEIVED LESS THAN 60 DAYS IN ADVANCE, YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BEGIN SERVICE ON YOUR INTENDED START DATE
INITIAL CONTACT: City Clerk, 318 City Hall, 411 W. 1st St., Duluth MN 55802
FORMS: Please contact the office of the City Clerk for the appropriate forms.
FEES: See Fee Schedule
LICENSE PERIOD: September 1 - August 31
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (218) 730-5500.
ISSUED TO: Businesses seeking an annual license to sell beer, wine, or intoxicating liquor at on-sale or off-sale
PROCEDURE: Applications are made to the City Clerk (with fees) and must be approved by the Police Department.
APPLICABLE CODE Chapter 8
INITIAL CONTACT: City Clerk, 318 City Hall, 411 W. 1st St., Duluth MN 55802
FORMS: Liquor Caterer Registration and Liquor Caterer Notification Forms.
FEES: See Fee Schedule
LICENSE PERIOD: September 1 - August 31
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (218) 730-5500.
ISSUED TO: Holders of a state caterer's permit in order to provide catering services in the city.
PROCEDURE: Applications are made to the City Clerk (with fees) and must be approved by the Police Department.
APPLICABLE CODE: Chapter 8
INITIAL CONTACT: City Clerk, 318 City Hall, 411 W. 1st St., Duluth MN 55802
FORM: Temporary Expansion of On-Sale Premises License Application.
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (218) 730-5500.
ISSUED TO: Current on-sale liquor licensees desiring to temporarily expand alcohol service outside of their regular, designated serving area for a special event not to exceed three consecutive days
FEE: See Fee Schedule
PROCEDURE: Liquor applications filed with the City Clerk are referred to the Alcohol, Gambling and Tobacco Commission whose function is to advise the City Council on the granting or refusal of the license. Applicants must pass approval of the police, fire and health departments.
APPLICABLE CODE: Chapter 8
INITIAL CONTACT: City Clerk, 318 City Hall, 411 W. 1st St., Duluth MN 55802
FORMS (both must be completed and submitted):
Temporary On-Sale Liquor License Application.
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (218) 730-5500.
ISSUED TO: Temporary on sale liquor licenses are issued only to:
- Clubs, charitable organizations, religious organizations and other nonprofit organizations in existence for at least three years.
- A registered political committee.
- A state university.
- A brewer who manufactures fewer than 3,500 barrels of malt liquor in a year.
- For a temporary on sale non-intoxicating malt liquor license, click here for application.
FEE: See Fee Schedule
PROCEDURE: Liquor applications filed with the City Clerk are referred to the Alcohol, Gambling and Tobacco Commission whose function is to advise the City Council on approving issuance of the license. The license is issued by the Minnesota State Liquor Control Commissioner.
APPLICABLE CODE: Chapter 8
INITIAL CONTACT: City Clerk, 318 City Hall, 411 W. 1st St., Duluth MN 55802
FORM: Temporary On-Sale Non-Intoxicating Malt Liquor License Application.
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (218) 730-5500.
FEE: See Fee Schedule
PROCEDURE: Liquor applications filed with the City Clerk are referred to the Alcohol, Gambling and Tobacco Commission whose function is to advise the City Council on approving issuance of the license. The license is issued by the Minnesota State Liquor Control Commissioner.
APPLICABLE CODE: Chapter 8
INITIAL CONTACT: City Clerk, 318 City Hall, 411 W. 1st St., Duluth MN 55802
FORMS (both must be completed and submitted):
Temporary Consumption & Display Permit Application
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (218) 730-5500.
ISSUED TO: Non-profit organizations in conjunction with a social activity in the city sponsored by said organization. Please note that only 10 one-day consumption & display permits may be issued per year and they are processed on a first-come, first-served basis
FEE: See Fee Schedule
PROCEDURE: Liquor applications filed with the City Clerk are referred to the Alcohol, Gambling and Tobacco Commission whose function is to advise the City Council on approving issuance of the license. The license is issued by the Minnesota State Liquor Control Commissioner.
APPLICABLE CODE: Chapter 8
INITIAL CONTACT: City Clerk, 318 City Hall, 411 W. 1st St., Duluth MN 55802
FORM: Application
TELEPHONE NUMBER: (218) 730-5500.
ISSUED TO: Current on-sale liquor licensees seeking to expand their regular, designated serving area to include any new spaces for alcohol service such as outdoor decks, sidewalk patios, or newly-acquired property.”
FEE: See Fee Schedule
PROCEDURE: Liquor applications filed with the City Clerk are referred to the Alcohol, Gambling and Tobacco Commission whose function is to advise the City Council regarding the license. Applications are subject to approval by police, fire and health authorities.
APPLICABLE CODE: Chapter 8