City Clerk

Liquor Licensing

Due to COVID-19, City Hall is closed to the public effective November 9, 2020. 

A drop-off box has been installed for applications and payments on Second Street behind City Hall. 

See map here.

 

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

 

Legislation was passed earlier this year that allows establishments with on-sale, on premise, liquor licenses to sell beer and wine with takeout orders.
Bars and restaurants will be able to sell an unopened six-pack of beer, cider or hard seltzer or a bottle of wine with food orders.

Under the law signed on April 17, 2020:

  • Only establishments with a licensed restaurant can sell the equivalent of a six-pack of beer or a standard bottle of wine without acquiring an off-sale license.
  • The alcohol must be sold with a to-go order.
  • The alcohol must be in its original, unopened container or bottle. 
  • The person picking up the order must be 21-years-old or older.
  • Food deliveries cannot include alcohol.

 

 

INITIAL CONTACT: City Clerk, 318 City Hall, 411 W. 1st St., Duluth  MN  55802

FORMS: 

FEES: See Fee Schedule

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

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 Intoxicating Liquor Licensees desiring to sell alcoholic beverages outside of their premises.

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

FORM:   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

FORM:   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

FORM:   Application

TELEPHONE NUMBER:  (218) 730-5500.

ISSUED TO:  On-Sale Intoxicating Liquor Licensees seeking to expand their designated serving area.

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

Contact

Ian Johnson
Code Compliance Officer
City Hall, Room 318
411 West First Street
Duluth, MN 55802
218-730-5500