What to Expect After Buying a Liquor Store

Taking ownership of a liquor store is an exciting new chapter — and a chance to make the business your own. Based on our experience working with hundreds of store owners, the following steps are recommended to help you establish efficient operations, maintain compliance, and build a strong foundation from day one.

This guide, featured in The Advisor – Issue #48, highlights operational steps that are easy to overlook in the planning process — but essential to hitting the ground running with clarity and confidence.

1. Utilities, Services & Access

Contact utility providers — electric, gas, water, internet, and phone — to transfer accounts into your business name. Verify activation dates and billing access. Arrange regular services such as trash removal, cleaning, snow removal, and maintenance. Update store access by rekeying locks, resetting alarm codes, updating safe combinations, and ensuring cameras and ID scanners are working properly. These measures support regulatory compliance and help prevent underage sales.

2. Vendor Management

Connect with applicable product suppliers listed by the seller, including alcohol distributors, grocery and ice vendors, and ATM operators. Submit any required credit applications to open accounts and establish delivery schedules.

3. Licenses & Compliance

Ensure all required and/or applicable licenses such as liquor, lottery, tobacco, and nicotine delivery systems — are active and clearly displayed. Staying organized and up to date with regulatory requirements is essential for businesses in this industry.

4. Staffing, Training, Payroll & Insurance

Set up payroll under your new business entity, whether retaining staff or hiring new. Register for state and federal employment taxes, secure workers’ compensation insurance, and ensure all staff hold valid TIPs certifications or equivalent training. This training isn’t just a formality — it’s an essential part of running a responsible, well-managed operation. This certification helps staff manage compliance-related situations, recognize signs of intoxication, and support responsible alcohol sales.

5. Banking & Payment Processing

Open a business bank account and set up credit card processing. Confirm that your POS and merchant services are connected, tested, and fully functional before opening.

We know there’s a lot to manage in the early days of ownership, which is why we’re here as a resource — to help simplify the transition, answer questions as they come up, and support your long-term success.

Click here to read April’s newsletter: The Advisor – Issue #48

The Investment That Helps You Sell Smarter: Breaking Down Our Fee

In this industry, every move matters. When it comes time to sell your liquor store or liquor license, choosing the right partner can make all the difference. Working with Liquor Store Advisor and Liquor License Advisor means gaining access to a trusted team with decades of experience, a powerful network of qualified buyers, and a deep understanding of what drives successful transactions.

Our fee reflects the hands-on expertise, strategic marketing, and full-service support we provide from start to finish. In many cases, our involvement not only leads to stronger offers — it also saves time, avoids costly missteps, and maximizes your final outcome.

Specialized Experience

Backed by thousands of successful transactions across multiple states, our team brings decades of experience guiding sellers at every level — from independent operators to national retail groups. We understand the valuation, licensing, legal, and operational complexities that make liquor transactions distinct. That insight allows us to help you price strategically, prepare with clarity, and close with confidence.

Operational Execution

Selling a liquor store or license isn’t just about finding a buyer — it’s about managing dozens of behind-the-scenes steps most sellers don’t have time to think about. From licensing paperwork and board hearings to city filings and timeline logistics, we handle the details that keep deals moving. We keep the timeline moving so you can focus on the finish line.

Marketing and Buyer Access

We don’t wait for buyers to find you — we bring your listing directly to serious, qualified prospects. Our outreach includes curated email campaigns, targeted digital marketing, and direct calls to pre-vetted buyers. Many transactions are matched before the listing even goes public through our Preferred Buyer List, which includes individuals, corporations, and investment groups actively looking for their next opportunity.

Communication and Transparency

We believe communication is everything. You’ll always know what’s happening, what’s expected next, and where things stand. From day one to closing day, we keep you informed — no guessing, no chasing. Our process is built on clarity, responsiveness, and a commitment to keeping things straightforward and stress-free.

Click here to read April’s newsletter: The Advisor – Issue #48

Champagne Problems: Where It Stands and Where It’s Going

Looking Back to 2024: Champagne Sales Lost Their Sparkle

In 2024, Champagne shipments declined by nearly 10% to 271 million bottles, according to the Comité Champagne. This downturn was primarily attributed to global economic uncertainties, inflation, and geopolitical conflicts, which reduced consumer enthusiasm for celebrations and spending on luxury beverages.

Additionally, LVMH, a leading Champagne producer, reported a 15% drop in sales during the first half of 2024. Adverse weather conditions, including frost and excessive rainfall, affected grape harvests and production, adding further pressure to the industry. Many consumers felt there was little reason to celebrate, leading to decreased demand for luxury beverages.

Looking Ahead to 2025: Champagne’s Path Forward

As the industry enters 2025, Champagne producers remain cautiously optimistic, though consumer spending habits are unpredictable. With ongoing inflation and shifting financial priorities, demand for luxury beverages may continue to fluctuate.

To adapt, industry leaders are repositioning Champagne as an affordable luxury, encouraging consumers to enjoy it beyond special occasions—from casual dinners to weekend brunches. Sustainability and organic production are also expected to gain traction as younger consumers prioritize eco-friendly and health-conscious choices. Meanwhile, the rise of low-alcohol and non-alcoholic alternatives continues to challenge traditional Champagne sales.

Climate change poses long-term risks for the industry. Rising temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, frost, drought, and excessive rainfall continue to disrupt grape yields in the Champagne region. In response, producers are investing in sustainable vineyard management, regenerative agriculture, and soil conservation practices to protect their crops and ensure long-term viability.

Despite these challenges, Champagne brands are reshaping their messaging to emphasize everyday indulgence rather than limiting consumption to major celebrations. Some producers are also experimenting with lighter, organic, and more accessible Champagne options to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving market.

Click here to read February’s newsletter: The Advisor – Issue #46

The Advisor Magazine: Issue #34

December 2023 Update – Gifting, Selling, Cannabis & More!
It’s a time to celebrate with the ones you love.
  • the future of partying – getting buzzed on cannabis drinks;
  • if selling during the holidays is a good idea;
  • what popular alcohol gifts to stock up on for the holidays;
  • and more!

Pressure On For Boston Pocket Licenses?

The Joint Committee On Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure held its hearing on Oct. 2, 2023 for proposed Bill H.3741 and Bill S.2380 which are seeking an additional 250 licenses across 10 specific zip codes in the next 5 years, should it become law.

One of the issues that arose during the hearing around the 1:00:45 to 1:05:50 mark addressed the term “pocket” licenses, which are inactive liquor licenses being held by owners and/or landlords which go against the city’s guidelines for license use.

To read the full article – check out The Advisor Magazine – Issue 33.

 

The Advisor Magazine: Issue #33

November 2023 Update – Holiday Spending Habits, Inflation & More!
As we move into the holidays, consumer habits are changing, again.
In Issue #33 of The Advisor, we discuss:
  • how consumer’s alcohol purchases may change with inflation;
  • a surprise subject that came up at the Boston Hearing – restaurant pocket licenses;
  • how orange is the new white when it comes to serving wine this holiday season;
  • and more!
Click Here To Read The Advisor – Issue #33.

Have You Heard of Sober October?

How This Trend Is Impacting Alcohol Sales

We’ve all become increasingly familiar with Dry January, but have you heard of “Sober October”? According to a recent USA Today article, this movement is becoming increasingly popular as consumers make more health-conscious purchases, trading in their alcoholic beverages for non-alcoholic or low-alcohol substitutes. Some people are trying out this lifestyle shift for a month to consider the benefits of not drinking, while others are trading out a few beverages here and there; however, others are making the shift to eliminate all alcohol entirely.

To read the full article – check out The Advisor Magazine – Issue 32.

 

Does Boston Need More Licenses?

Boston’s Home Rule Petition Hearing: October 2, 2023

Hearing to Consider 250 New Liquor Licenses in the City of Boston: A Brief Summary and What the Change Could Mean for Local Business Owners.

On October 2, 2023, a legislative hearing to consider additional Boston liquor licenses took place at the State House. Mayor Michelle Wu, City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune, Councilor Brian Worrell, and Councilor Ricardo Arroyo were the forefront of the proposal to advocate in support of the home rule petition, which would allow the city to issue 250 new liquor licenses in ten specific zip codes over the next five years – if it becomes law. To become law, the bill still needs to pass the full Legislature and be signed by the Governor.

To read the full article – check out The Advisor Magazine – Issue 32.

 

The Advisor Magazine: Issue #32

October 2023 Update – More Liquor Licenses Coming For Boston?
The last quarter of 2023 starts with some uncertainty in the liquor license market.
In Issue #32 of The Advisor, we discuss:
  • a recap of the October 2nd hearing for Boston’s Home Rule Petition;
  • how a new trend, Sober October, will impact sales;
  • what consumer trends are shaping up for this Fall;
  • and more!
Click Here To Read The Advisor – Issue #32.

Proposed Bill To Nix US Requirement To Obtain Liquor License

Will U.S. Residency Be Required?

Our Team here at Liquor License Advisor often receives the question of whether someone must be a U.S. citizen to obtain a liquor license in Massachusetts. Legally, they do: The way the law currently stands, the manager of record for a business must be a U.S. citizen to obtain a liquor license, which means that a non-citizen cannot be listed as the manager of record if he or she requires a liquor license for his or her business. Here in Massachusetts, the license owner must actually be a state resident as well to go on record as a manager or owner of a liquor license.

To read the full article – check out The Advisor Magazine – Issue 31.

 

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