Comprehensive Reference for Alcohol Licensing, Regulation, Violations, and Liability in Georgia
This guide provides an overview of the state’s alcohol regulatory framework, including the governing agency, license/permit types, common violations, dram shop liability, local regulation authority, and key statutory references. This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a licensed attorney in the relevant jurisdiction.
Last reviewed: February 2026
Regulatory Overview
Regulatory System: License State
Governing Agency: Georgia Department of Revenue, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division
Website: https://dor.georgia.gov/alcohol-tobacco
Governing Law: Georgia Code Title 3 — Alcoholic Beverages
License/Permit Types:
- Retail package license (beer, wine, and/or distilled spirits — separate licenses for each)
- On-premises consumption license (pouring permit)
- Manufacturer license (brewery, winery, distillery)
- Wholesaler/distributor license
- Caterer’s license
- Special event permit
- Farm winery license
- Craft brewery license
Key Regulatory Features:
- Licensing is a two-level process: state license from the Department of Revenue AND a local license from the city/county
- Local governments have broad authority; many Georgia counties remain dry
- Georgia distinguishes between licenses for beer, wine, and distilled spirits at each tier
- Sunday sales of alcohol are permitted only in jurisdictions that have approved it by referendum (since 2011)
- Local licensing fees and requirements vary widely
Common Violations:
- Sale to minors
- Sale to intoxicated persons
- Sale during prohibited hours
- Operating without proper local and state licenses
- Failure to maintain food service requirements
Dram Shop Liability: Yes. Georgia Code Section 51-1-40 establishes liability for knowingly selling, furnishing, or serving alcohol to a person under 21 or to a person who is in a noticeably intoxicated condition, when the person’s intoxication is a proximate cause of injury.
Social Host Liability: Yes. Recognized for furnishing alcohol to minors and potentially to noticeably intoxicated persons.
Local Regulation Authority: Extensive. Cities and counties issue their own alcohol licenses, set hours of operation, determine which types of sales are allowed (beer/wine/liquor, on-premises/off-premises), and control Sunday sales approval.
Key Statutes: Ga. Code Title 3; Ga. Code Section 51-1-40 (dram shop)
Georgia Alcohol Beverage Law Attorneys
The following law firms and attorneys handle alcohol beverage law matters in Georgia. This list includes both state-specific specialists and national firms with Georgia coverage.
1. Sard & Leff, LLC
- Website: www.sardandleff.com
- Attorneys: Michael Sard, Esq., Kevin D. Leff, Esq., Mindy Thompson (Partner), Dana M. Resnick (Partner), Elizabeth Mahoney (Partner), Michael G. Leff (Counsel)
- Address: 3789 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342
- Phone: 770-644-0800
- Fax: 770-644-0808
- Email: msard@sardandleff.com / kleff@sardandleff.com
- NAABLA Member: Yes (2005)
- AAIAC Founding Member: Yes
- Firm Type: Georgia’s leading alcohol beverage licensing and regulatory compliance firm
- Services:
- Georgia alcohol licensing (expertise in 750+ licensing jurisdictions)
- Georgia’s largest bulk filer of state alcohol license renewal applications
- Regulatory compliance
- Representation before local, state, and federal agencies
- Georgia Department of Revenue proceedings
- Client Profile: Alcohol beverage producers, marketers, shippers, carriers, and sellers
2. Ardis Law LLP
- Website: www.ardis.law
- Attorneys: Michele L. Stumpe, Esq., Kyle M. Baker, Esq.
- Address: 2300 Windy Ridge Pkwy. SE, Suite 1165N, Atlanta, GA 30339
- Phone: 470-762-6531
- Fax: 470-762-6501
- Email: mstumpe@ardis.law / kbaker@ardis.law
- NAABLA Member: Yes (2007)
- Services:
- Alcohol beverage, food, and regulated products law
- Licensing and Regulatory compliance
3. Berman Fink Van Horn P.C.
- Website: www.bfvlaw.com
- Address: 3475 Piedmont Rd. NE, Suite 1640, Atlanta, GA 30305
- Phone: 404-261-4070
- Firm Type: Atlanta based law firm
- Services:
- Alcohol licensing (local, state, federal)
- Working with Georgia Department of Revenue and Attorney General
- Zoning and land use issues
- Business formation (for alcohol-licensed businesses)
- Lease agreement drafting
- Calisan egitimi (Regulatory compliance)
- Working with enforcement officials
- Drafting laws and regulations (governing the alcohol industry)
- Representation before neighborhood associations, administrative boards, and legislative bodies
- Client Profile: Wine shops, grocers, convenience stores, liquor stores, wine importers, alcohol producers, wholesalers, distributors, commercial real estate owners, developers, property managers
4. Williams Teusink
- Website: www.williamsteusink.com
- Address: Atlanta, GA
- Phone: 404-228-0360
- Firm Type: Atlanta based law firm
- Services:
- Georgia Alcohol licensing and Regulatory compliance
- Working with Georgia Department of Revenue and Attorney General
- Zoning and alcohol licensing requirements compliance determination
- Disciplinary proceedings and litigation defense
- Isletme sertifikasi, liquor license and is license acquisition
- Lease agreement drafting
- Business formation
- Land use and zoning issues
5. Sams, Larkin & Huff, LLP
- Website: www.samslarkinhuff.com
- Address: Cobb County / Metro Atlanta, GA
- Phone: 770-884-4819
- Firm Type: Georgia based law firm
- Services:
- Beer and liquor licensing consulting
- License acquisition, protection, and defense
- Information on state and local regulations
- Consulting for alcohol wholesalers, retailers, convenience stores, taverns, bars, and restaurants
- Kapsam: Georgia, Cobb County, Metro Atlanta and Kuzey Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Georgia’s county-by-county patchwork of regulations create challenges for multi-location operators?
Georgia grants significant authority to counties and municipalities. Some counties are completely dry, others allow beer and wine but not spirits, others are fully wet. Even within wet jurisdictions, rules on hours, Sunday sales, and distance restrictions vary. Each new location may require a different licensing strategy and compliance protocols. A policy legal in Atlanta may violate ordinances in a neighboring county.
Q: What is the process when Georgia requires both state and local licensing approval?
Applicants must often obtain both a state license from the Georgia Department of Revenue and a separate local license from the city or county. Local applications typically must be completed first, as the state requires proof of local approval. Local requirements may include public hearings, compliance with zoning and distance rules, and separate fees. This dual requirement means longer timelines and the possibility of approval at one level but denial at another.
Q: How does Georgia’s dram shop law differ from neighboring South Carolina, which has no dram shop statute?
Georgia recognizes dram shop liability for serving noticeably intoxicated or underage patrons. This contrasts sharply with South Carolina, which has no dram shop statute. Georgia establishments must carry liquor liability insurance, implement documented responsible service training, and maintain protocols for refusing service. The potential for substantial civil judgments makes compliance not just regulatory but a critical business risk management issue.
Disclaimer
This guide is intended as a general informational reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Alcohol laws are complex, vary significantly between jurisdictions, and change frequently through legislation, regulation, and court decisions. The information provided here may not reflect the most current legal developments.
Always consult with a licensed attorney in the relevant jurisdiction before making decisions based on this information. For current regulatory requirements, contact the appropriate state alcohol regulatory agency directly.