Liquor Licenses

All new liquor licenses require an application and related documents that can be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office or from this page. 

The minimum processing time for new licenses is approximately 45 days. The license period for all liquor licenses runs from April 1 to March 31. Liquor licenses are renewed annually. Licenses are nontransferable. 

Fees for liquor licenses

Liquor licenses are submitted to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for final approval. 

Liquor licenses require approval by the City Council and Commissioner of Public Safety. 

More information on liquor licenses and the requirements is available in the City Code or by contacting the city clerk.

The City of Northfield provides licenses for the following types of liquor:

On-sale Intoxicating Liquor License

Required for the sale of intoxicating liquor for consumption on the licensed premises only. 

Review a copy of the On-sale Intoxicating Liquor License requirements. 

Please print, sign and return all application documents noted below for this license, with the required license fee and other items noted in the checklist. You must also complete a Retailer’s (Buyer’s) Card and submit directly to the Department of Public Safety.

Application documents

On-sale Wine License

Permits the sale of wine not exceeding 14% alcohol by volume for consumption with the sale of food. Issued to restaurants with a minimum seating for at least 30 guests. 

Review a copy of the wine license requirements.

Please print, sign and return all application documents noted below for this license, with the required license fee and other items noted in the checklist. You must also complete a Retailer’s (Buyer’s) Card and submit directly to the Department of Public Safety. A combination wine/3.2 malt liquor license allows the license holder to sell strong beer.

Application documents

3.2% On-sale Malt Liquor License

Required for the sale of malt liquor containing no more than 3.2% alcohol by weight for consumption on the licensed premises only. A combination wine/3.2 malt liquor license allows the license holder to sell strong beer.

Application documents

Club Liquor License

Must have at least 50 members and an elected governing body. Limits sales to members and bona fide guests only

Application documents

3.2% Off-Sale Malt Liquor License

Required for the sale of malt liquor containing no more than 3.2 percent alcohol by weight for consumption off the licensed premises only

Application documents

Temporary Liquor License

Temporary licenses are available for 3.2% malt liquor or on-sale intoxicating liquor. The cost of a temporary license is $350. Approved by the City Council and Commissioner of Public Safety. Typically, temporary licenses can only be obtained by clubs or charitable, religious, or other nonprofit organizations in existence for at least three years.

Application documents

Sunday Liquor License

Required to sell on-sale intoxicating liquor between 10 a.m. and midnight on Sunday for consumption on the premises. Approval by City Council. The fee for a Sunday Liquor License is $200. No additional application materials are needed. Complete the City license application and check the Sunday box under on-sale liquor licenses.