Some states are a bit vague and haphazard with their laws and regulations around liquor sales and distribution, however, Missouri is a state whose laws and regulations are clear and plain.

Missouri has a whole state agency that is solely dedicated to enforcing the laws that cover how alcohol should be sold, marketed, distributed, and even consumed.

In order to avoid being prosecuted and to keep others and yourself safe, you need to understand the laws and regulations, including all local, state, and federal laws.

Let’s discuss these in relation to Missouri.

Do You Need A License To Sell Alcohol In Missouri?

If you should wish to sell alcohol in Missouri State you will need a license to do so. Missouri has a distribution system that has three tiers. This includes the manufacturer, distributor, and finally, retailer.

A distributor is a wholesaler who will buy the product from the manufacturer and then sell it to a retailer who sells to the public. The distributor is like a middleman between the manufacturer and the retailer.

Retailers can hold licenses for on-premise, which allows them to sell alcohol for consumption on premises, such as in restaurants or bars. They can also have an off-premise license, which would cover liquor stores or supermarkets.

Each of the levels of Missouri’s triple tiered system is required to have a license for selling liquor, and then there are other laws on top of this which then further dictate how the tiers should interact with the public and with one another.

Do You Need A Separate License To Sell Alcohol On A Dunay?

If you want to sell alcohol on a Sunday in Missouri, there is an additional license you will need, be you a seller or manufacturer.

Selling Alcohol Near A School Or Church

If you wish to sell alcohol within 100 ft distance of a school or church you will also need approval in writing from the board of aldermen from the city, the city council, or other special authorities in order to do so.

Open Container Law Missouri

Open container laws cover any beverage which has already been opened. These laws may seem strange to some but need to be considered, especially for buyers.

Drinking In Public

Missouri law does not prevent the consumption of alcohol in outdoor public places. However, it is against the law to consume alcohol in a courthouse, school, or church.

Depending on your local authority other ordinances might also apply.

Drinking In A Car

Missouri does not have any specific laws that prevent passengers in a car from drinking alcohol. However, 31 cities across the state of Missouri have put a ban in place, and it is possible that you could be charged criminally for a municipal violation if you do so in these places.

Buying Alcohol In Missouri

Unlike those who reside in neighboring states like Kansas, which have State-run stores for alcohol, those who live in Missouri are able to purchase alcoholic beverages at gas stations, grocery stores, and other similar establishments which have the relevant permits.

In general, alcohol is purchasable from 6 am until 1:30 am on a daily basis, however, be aware that across the state Municipalities may have separate laws in this regard. However, you can also purchase alcohol on Sundays.

Shipping Alcohol In Missouri

Aside from wine, there are no limitations on interstate shipping of alcohol into the state of Missouri, as long as alcohol is in quantities of less than 5 gallons and has been manufactured lawfully in its jurisdiction and the recipient is over 21 years of age.

There are otherwise no limits at all on quantity for any shipments that are conducted within Missouri entirely, or which are produced by alcohol retailers from Missouri who have a license.

Bulk

To ship alcohol into the state in quantities over 5 gallons the sender and commercial carrier both need a transporter’s license from the Missouri Department of Revenue and licensing fees must be paid.

As well as this, for shipments like such, the commercial carrier needs to be licensed generally to do business by the D.E.D., generally, commercial shippers such as UPS and FedEx have these types of licenses.

Wine

An alcohol retailer who is licensed in Missouri or a similar state with similar reciprocal wine-shipping laws can ship 2 cases of wine each year to a resident over 21 years of age, as long as the wine is for personal use only and not for resale.

This delivery is not seen as being a sale within the state.

Otherwise, for shipments of wine directly from a winery, a wine manufacturer who is licensed in Missouri or another state can gain a wine direct shipper license from the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.

This will allow the manufacturer to ship two cases per month to any person over 21 years of age.

Unlike reciprocal provision shipments, in this case, the manufacturer has to use a licensed alcohol carrier for transportation.

Legal Licenses & Regulations For Manufacturing In Missouri

Missouri only has a standard license for distilleries and does not have any micro distillery licenses.

This type of license will cost a total of $450 per annum as well as a tax bond on top of this. Should you wish to legally manufacture spirits also, there will be several licenses that you will need to request.

You will also need to carefully follow state requirements also.

You should first request a license to manufacture spirits which requires a TTB 5110.41 Basic Permit.

However, should you wish to have a license for the distillery itself and the equipment required then you will need the TTB 5100.24 Distilled spirit plant license.

Other Considerations With Stills & Moonshine In Missouri

In Missouri, you can legally manufacture your own spirits as long as it is below 200 gallons per year and is only for personal use.

However, if you sell spirits without a license then you will be met with heavy fines, even transportation can count as an attempt to sell. The first offense will cost you $10k, a second offense is $25k, and a third offense is a $50k fine.

Overall

Missouri’s laws are very straightforward in comparison to some other states, and it is even fairly simple to understand inter-state trades of alcohol. Missouri is a great place to sell and manufacture alcohol and is probably one of our top choices of location.