ABC Liquor Permit Information
In order for the bartenders to serve liquor at your bar, you must obtain the Limited Special Occasion ABC Permit and provided the liquor yourselves. The process to obtain the permit can be a bit cumbersome, so we recommend starting on that as soon as you are ready and no later than 4 weeks before your wedding.
You can apply online on the ABC website HERE. In addition to the completed and notarized application, you will also need the following supporting documents:
-
Signed Homewood Contract in the name of the permit applicant. You can download a copy of your contract from your Homewood Proposal. Once you have navigated to the Contract Page, you will see three dots in a vertical line in the upper right corner of the page. That will give you a drop-down menu with the option to "Print Contract Only". If you need the ABC applicant's name added to your Homewood Contract, please reach out to Julie at info@mybelovedhomewood.com.
​
-
Criminal Record Check. This should be obtained from the Clerk of Court's Office in the county in which you reside. If your county does not offer this service, please reach out the ABC Permit division directly: 919-948-7941. You might be thinking, "But wait! I don't have a criminal record! There's nothing to check!". That's great! In fact, if you do have a criminal record your application probably won't be approved! The Commission is looking for proof a lack of record - you still need the document!
​
-
Application Fee of $50. Payable by credit card, certified check, cashier's check, or money order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you provide liquor for my wedding?
Due to NC liquor laws, we are not permitted to provide liquor for your wedding. You may provide liquor to be served as long as you have obtained a Limited Special Occasion Permit from the ABC and purchased the Unlimited Package for your event. We'll be happy to provide you with the application and answer any questions you have about the process!
How much liquor can/should I bring?
There is no limit on the volume of liquor you can bring, but we do ask that you keep the selection to 6 varieties. This helps to ensure that the bar is streamlined and manageable! We are happy to help you determine quantities based on your group size and the cocktails you'd like to have available.
​
We also ask that you provide your liquor in 750ml bottles as opposed to 1.5 liter bottles. It's much easier for the bartenders to pour from the smaller bottles behind a busy bar!
What kinds of liquor should I bring?
Generally speaking, the most popular liquors are: Whiskey, Vodka, and Gin
​
Unless you are using Tequila for a specialty cocktail, we don't necessarily recommend it - it's not super compatible with the basic mixers!
Do you do specialty cocktails?
Yes, with a few caveats! We allow a maximum of 2 specialty cocktails. A specialty cocktail is anything more complicated than a basic mixed drink (one liquor and one mixer). We also cannot accommodate cocktails made in a shaker (this includes martinis, manhattans, or any other cocktail traditionally served "up").
We have a list of amazing cocktails that are vetted and pre-approved that you may select from for your specialty cocktail offerings, CHECK THEM OUT!
What mixers are included, and what if I need other mixers for specialty cocktails?
Basic mixers that are included with your beverage package are: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Tonic, Club Soda, Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, and Limes for garnish.
​
Any specialty mixers needed for custom cocktails can be added to your proposal or you can provide them with the liquor. We are happy to help suggest purchase quantities for mixers!
Can I just stick to basic mixed drinks?
Of course! In wedding planning we always recommend spending your time and energy (and money!) on the things that matter most to you. If specialty cocktails don't make the cut we totally get it!
​
At the end of the day, your guests will be happy with whatever free booze comes their way, and there are tons of delicious basic mixed drinks available with the included mixers!
How and when do I get the liquor to you for my event?
We ask that you please drop off all liquor and any specialty mixers you're providing the day before your event at Homewood. If you're coming for a rehearsal anyways, that's a great time to drop everything off! If you need to schedule a time please let us know and we'll be happy to meet you.
If liquor and specialty mixers are not received the day before, we cannot guarantee we'll be able to serve requested specialty cocktails.
Can the bartender serve shots?
Sorry, but no. We've learned the hard way that it's best to avoid shots!
If we didn't answer your question here, please reach out and we'll be happy to help. Cheers!