Permits for a Brewery in Arlington, Virginia
A brewery in Arlington, Virginia needs 14 permits including brewery license, responsible seller/server training, music license (ascap/bmi/sesac), and more. Each has specific costs, deadlines, and renewal requirements.
We found 14 permits you’ll likely need. Costs, deadlines, and direct .gov links included.
14 permits found
For a Brewery in Arlington, VA
Alcohol / Liquor
Authorizes the manufacture of beer. Allows on-premises tasting room sales and wholesale distribution. Virginia ABC issues the license.
Virginia ABC encourages responsible seller/server training. Completion provides an affirmative defense against certain violations.
Business License
Any Virginia business that plays copyrighted music publicly — background music, live bands, DJs, jukeboxes, or streaming — must obtain public performance licenses from ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.
All LLCs, corporations, and other business entities must register with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC). Annual registration fee required for LLCs.
Employment
Virginia employers must register with the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC). New employer rate approximately 2.5%. Taxable wage base is $8,000 per employee.
Virginia requires employers with 3 or more employees to carry workers' compensation insurance. Coverage from private insurers or the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission.
Fire Safety
Required before occupying a commercial building. Verifies building code compliance under Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC).
Required for commercial establishments. Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC) requires periodic inspections by the local fire marshal.
Health & Safety
Required for all food establishments in Virginia. Issued by the local health department under the Virginia Department of Health. Must comply with Virginia Food Regulations (12 VAC 5-421). Certified food manager required.
Virginia requires food handlers to obtain certification from an ANSI-accredited training provider. At least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) must be on staff.
Signage
Required by most Virginia localities before installing exterior signage. Local zoning ordinances regulate sign specifications.
Tax
Required for businesses making retail sales. Virginia general sales tax rate is 5.3% (4.3% state + 1% local). Higher rate in certain regions. Registration free through Virginia Tax Online Services.
Employers in Virginia must register to withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration required before first payroll.
Zoning
Verifies that the proposed business use complies with local zoning ordinances. Required before obtaining building permits or certificates of occupancy.
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
$26 – $1,081
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
- Brewery License
- Responsible Seller/Server Training
- Music License (ASCAP/BMI/SESAC)
- Virginia Business Entity Registration (SCC)
- Virginia Unemployment Tax Registration
View all 10 permits above
Filing guides
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