PermitDuePermits for a Retail Store in Mobile, Alabama
A retail store in Mobile, Alabama needs 16 permits including retail beer license — on/off premises (040), retail table wine license — on/off premises (060), alabama business privilege tax license, and more. Each has specific costs, deadlines, and renewal requirements.
We found 16 permits you’ll likely need. Costs, deadlines, and direct .gov links included.
16 permits found
For a Retail Store in Mobile, AL
Alcohol / Liquor
License to sell beer for on-premises and off-premises consumption. State fee $150. Common for restaurants, bars, and convenience stores. Separate from liquor/wine licenses.
License to sell table wine for on-premises and off-premises consumption. State fee $150. Often held alongside beer license. Separate from liquor license.
Business License
Alabama requires businesses to obtain a privilege license (business license) from the county probate judge and/or municipal government. Alabama also imposes a state business privilege tax filed annually with the Department of Revenue.
Alabama requires a business privilege license from the county Probate Judge or License Commissioner. License required in every county where business is conducted. Fee starts at $100, increasing with gross receipts (up to $750 for $250,000+). Renewed annually by December 31 via MAT portal.
Employment
Registration with the Alabama Department of Revenue for state income tax withholding and with the Alabama Department of Labor for unemployment insurance tax. Required for all employers with employees in Alabama.
Registration with Alabama Department of Labor for unemployment compensation tax. Required for employers with 1+ employees. Tax rate varies by experience; new employer rate approximately 2.7% on first $8,000 per employee.
Alabama requires workers' compensation for employers with 5+ employees (construction: 1+). Competitive-state system. Covers medical and wage-loss benefits for work-related injuries.
Alabama requires workers' compensation insurance for employers with 5 or more employees. Construction employers must have coverage regardless of the number of employees.
Fire Safety
Certificate from the Alabama State Fire Marshal or local fire department confirming fire code compliance. Required for restaurants, bars, assembly venues, and commercial kitchens. Covers fire suppression, exits, occupancy limits.
Inspection and approval by the State Fire Marshal or local fire department for commercial establishments. Required for restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
Health & Safety
Annual permit from Alabama Dept. of Agriculture & Industries for food sales establishments. $50 fee, nonrefundable, cannot be prorated. County health departments conduct inspections. Fee and requirements vary by county for restaurants.
Signage
Local permit for business signage installation. Regulated by municipal and county zoning ordinances. ALDOT regulates outdoor advertising on state highways.
Tax
Registration with the Alabama Department of Revenue for collection and remittance of state and local sales tax. Required for all businesses making retail sales. Alabama state sales tax is 4% plus county/city taxes.
Registration with Alabama Department of Revenue for sales tax collection. State rate 4% plus county/city rates (total typically 8-10%). Required for all businesses selling tangible goods.
Registration with Alabama DOR for state income tax withholding. Alabama has graduated rates from 2% to 5%. Required for all employers with employees in Alabama.
Zoning
Certificate from local building department confirming commercial space meets building, fire, and zoning codes for intended use. Required before operating any business in new or renovated space.
Don't forget these deadlines
Save this checklist to your dashboard. We'll email you before each permit expires so you never get hit with a late penalty.
From $12/monthTotal penalty exposure
$25 – $635
if you skip or miss these permits
Based on published penalty schedules. Your actual fines may differ depending on your city or county.
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Apply for your permits
- Retail Beer License — On/Off Premises (040)
- Retail Table Wine License — On/Off Premises (060)
- Alabama Business Privilege Tax License
- Business Privilege License
- Alabama Employer Tax Registration
View all 13 permits above
Filing guides
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