You hold a license to pour. The bond backs the taxes and the law.
A licensing bond for selling alcohol
Many states, counties, and cities require a liquor license bond — sometimes called an alcohol or liquor tax bond — as a condition of an alcoholic-beverage license. Depending on the jurisdiction, it guarantees payment of alcohol taxes, compliance with liquor laws, or both. The taxing authority or regulator can claim against it if you don't comply.
What a liquor license bond guarantees
Depending on where you operate, the bond protects the state or local authority by guaranteeing payment of alcohol taxes and/or compliance with liquor-control laws. It is a tax and compliance guarantee, separate from your liquor liability insurance (which covers claims from serving alcohol). You reimburse the surety for any valid claim.
How much a liquor license bond costs
The bond amount is set by the licensing authority. The premium you pay is a small percentage of that amount — typically around 1%–3% for applicants with reasonable credit, more for weaker credit — so a modest bond often costs a few hundred dollars a year. We market it to multiple surety companies to get you the best rate.
Requirements vary widely by jurisdiction
Alcohol bonding is highly local — the amount and even whether a bond is required depend on your state and sometimes your city or county and license type (on-premise, off-premise, manufacturer, distributor). Note this is separate from the federal TTB bond for alcohol producers. We confirm your exact requirement before quoting.
Liquor License Bond requirements by state
The required amount and authority differ by state — and sometimes by city or county. We are licensed in all 50 states; request a quote and we will confirm the exact requirement that applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a liquor license bond the same as liquor liability insurance?
No. Liquor liability insurance covers claims arising from serving alcohol (such as an over-served patron causing harm). A liquor license bond is a tax/compliance guarantee to the government that's a condition of your license. Many businesses need both.
What does a liquor license bond cover?
Depending on the jurisdiction, it guarantees payment of alcohol taxes and compliance with liquor laws. You reimburse the surety for any claim it pays to the authority.
How much does a liquor license bond cost?
A premium that's a small percentage of the required bond amount, which varies by state and locality and license type.
How do I get a liquor license bond through Cory Washington & Co.?
Request a quote or contact our team. We confirm your exact requirement, market your bond across multiple surety companies that compete for it, and handle the filing. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
All surety bond descriptions on this website are provided by Cory Washington & Co. LLC strictly for general informational purposes. They are not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, legal, financial, or bonding advice. Surety bonds are not insurance. Bond requirements — including amounts, obligees, and bond forms — are set by government authorities and other obligees and change over time; the information presented is general in nature and does not guarantee the availability, terms, conditions, or amount of any bond. Actual bond terms are governed by the bond form issued by the surety and the requirements of the obligee, and any bond remains subject to underwriting approval. Nothing on this website creates or implies an agent-client relationship, binds a surety, or issues a bond. Cory Washington & Co. LLC expressly disclaims any liability for actions taken, or not taken, based on the content provided here. For advice regarding your particular situation, please confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and consult directly with a licensed professional at Cory Washington & Co. LLC.