Louisiana has long been recognized for its rich culture, culinary excellence, and—unsurprisingly—its thriving beverage alcohol industry. With a strong tourism sector and year-round demand from both locals and visitors, Louisiana offers a highly attractive market for out-of-state alcohol manufacturers, wholesalers, and suppliers.

But before your product hits a bar shelf in the French Quarter or a restaurant menu in Lafayette, there's one critical regulatory step to address: obtaining an Out-of-State Alcoholic Beverage Permit from the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC). This process, while manageable, has several nuances that can frustrate even the most seasoned suppliers.

At Business Law Group, we help clients navigate this process with confidence.

Understanding the Out-of-State Supplier Permit

Any non-Louisiana entity seeking to ship alcoholic beverages into the state for distribution or sale must first obtain a permit from the Louisiana ATC. This applies to producers and suppliers of wine, beer, and spirits. The Out-of-State Permit is mandatory whether you're working directly with Louisiana-based distributors or importing through a bonded warehouse.

The application process typically includes:

• Business formation documentation (e.g., articles of incorporation or formation)
• Federal basic permit (issued by the TTB)
• Brand registration (each label intended for sale must be approved and registered with the state)
• Designation of a registered agent authorized to receive service in Louisiana
• Background Checks for Ownership and Management
• Detailed disclosures about business ownership and prior regulatory history, including a detailed Louisiana ATC-compliant business plan

What often catches applicants off guard is the need to coordinate this permit with distributor agreements, brand registrations, and compliance with Louisiana's three-tier system. Missteps at this stage can delay market entry by weeks or even months.

How Business Law Group Can Help

Our firm regularly advises beverage suppliers and alcohol industry stakeholders on regulatory compliance in Louisiana. We assist with:

• Evaluating whether your business model requires an Out-of-State Permit or other licenses
• Preparing and submitting complete, accurate permit applications
• Coordinating brand registration with the ATC
• Ensuring proper corporate structure and documentation for Louisiana compliance

We understand the business impact of permitting delays and work to streamline your approval process so you can start selling in Louisiana faster.

Final Thoughts

With its welcoming consumer base and vibrant hospitality scene, Louisiana is a rewarding place to do business. But like many states, it expects strict compliance from alcohol suppliers—especially those coming from out of state. Taking the right steps from the outset is key to a smooth and profitable expansion.

If your company is preparing to enter the Louisiana market, we invite you to reach out. At Business Law Group, we make complex regulatory matters manageable—so you can focus on growing your business.

For help with Out-of-State Alcoholic Beverage Permits or other licensing matters, contact BLG today.