Permits for a Restaurant in Tempe, Arizona

Authorizes the sale of all spirituous liquors for on-premises consumption at a restaurant where at least 40% of gross revenue comes from food sales. This is the most common full-service restaurant liquor license in Arizona.

Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for on-premises consumption. Does not include distilled spirits. Issuance fee $1,575, annual renewal $175.

Authorizes the off-premises sale of all spirituous liquors in original, unbroken packages. Required for liquor stores and package stores. Issuance fee $1,550, annual renewal $120.

Arizona requires all on-premises employees who serve, sell, or furnish alcohol to complete Title 4 basic training within 30 days of employment. Training covers AZ liquor laws, responsible service, and ID verification.

LLCs, corporations, and other formal business entities must register with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). Required before obtaining most other business licenses.

Required before opening or occupying a commercial space in Arizona. Confirms the building meets building codes, fire codes, and zoning requirements for the intended use.

Most Arizona cities require a business license or transaction privilege tax (TPT) license. Arizona's TPT is similar to a sales tax but is levied on the seller. State rate is 5.6% plus city/county rates. Registration is through the Arizona Department of Revenue.

Any Arizona business that plays copyrighted music publicly — background music, live bands, DJs, jukeboxes, or streaming — must obtain public performance licenses from ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.

Arizona employers must register with the Department of Economic Security (DES) and pay state unemployment insurance tax. New employer rate is 2.0% on the first $8,000 per employee. Registration is completed through the DES Employer Self-Service portal.

Arizona requires workers' compensation insurance for all employers with one or more employees. Must be obtained from a licensed insurance carrier, the State Compensation Fund (SCF), or through self-insurance. Regulated by the Industrial Commission of Arizona.

Required for commercial establishments with assembly occupancy, cooking operations, or fire suppression systems. Issued by local fire departments based on the International Fire Code as adopted by Arizona.

Arizona requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager present during all hours of food preparation and service. Must hold a valid ANSI-CFP accredited certification (ServSafe, National Registry, etc.).

Required for any establishment preparing, serving, or selling food in Arizona. Issued by the county environmental health department (Maricopa County Environmental Services, Pima County Health Dept, etc.) after plan review and inspection.

Required for installing, replacing, or modifying permanent exterior business signage in Arizona. Must comply with local sign ordinances.

Employers in Arizona must register to withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration required before first payroll.

Verification from the city or county planning department that the proposed business use is permitted in the zoning district. Required before issuing a business license in Arizona.