Alcoholic Beverage Licenses

City ordinances regulate the sale of alcoholic beverages in the City of Newnan. It is unlawful for anyone to manufacture or sell any alcoholic beverage without current licenses from the City and the Georgia Department of Revenue.

As of January 1, 2022, all businesses who wish to apply for a new retail alcoholic beverage license must register with the Georgia Department of Revenue and apply for City's alcohol license through that website. You will no longer be able to apply directly to the City of Newnan. This new centralized alcohol application site can be viewed at the Georgia Tax Center website. There is a non-refundable $100 application fee which must be paid after submission of the City's application through the Newnan Portal website. The $100 fee can also be paid via check directly to the City of Newnan. Please note that the application will not be processed by the City of Newnan until the fee has been paid.

To obtain an alcoholic beverage license please go to the new Centralized Alcohol Application site. You may apply for an Occupational Tax Certificate at any time while the alcohol application is in process. No stand-alone bars or nightclubs are permitted within the City limits. The City's Alcoholic Beverage License Application (PDF) form must be completed by the Owner, along with all required documentation and attachments as stated in the application, and then the entire packet must be uploaded to the Department of Revenue's website referenced on this page. Please be sure that all forms requiring notarization are notarized before uploading the packet to the site. For more information pertaining to Alcoholic Beverage Licenses, please see the City of Newnan Code of Ordinances, Part II, Chapter 3. You may also email the City's Licensing Specialist for additional information.

Annual Alcohol License Renewals

Annual Alcohol License Renewals are required by December 31st each year for the following year and are issued on a calendar year basis. As of September 6th, 2022, Annual Alcohol License Renewals will be available on the new centralized alcohol site at https:/gtc.dor.ga.gov. Here are instructions on How to Submit the Alcohol Beverage License Renewal Application (PDF). Please click on the corresponding renewal application: Alcohol Microbrewery Pouring Renewal Application (PDF); Alcohol Permitted Location Pouring (PDF); Alcohol Pouring On-Premise Consumption Renewal (PDF); Alcohol Retail Package Renewal (PDF). Please download the following forms: Affidavit Verifying Status (PDF); Consent Form Criminal History (PDF); 5yr Background Affidavit (PDF); Affidavit of Licensee/License Rep (On-Premise Consumption Only) (PDF). Please make sure to follow the instructions and submit the completed renewal application with the supporting documentation for processing. If there are no changes to the existing license, you may submit payment through the portal using this link: http://newnanga.govtportal.com (please choose the Alcohol License Tab) or you may pay by check. Failure to provide all documentation and renew by December 31st will result in cancellation of the license. If the license is not renewed by the due date, the owner will have to begin the application process anew, including advertising etc., which can result in substantial fees and processing time. You may contact the City's Licensing Specialist licensing@newnanga.gov for additional information.

Quarterly Sales Report

Businesses with on-premise consumption must maintain a ratio of at least 55% food sales, percentage of total gross receipts, at all times. This information is reported to the City on the Quarterly Sales Report. Failure to submit the quarterly report or maintain the correct ratio of food sales will result in revocation of the alcohol license.

3 Percent Alcohol Taxes

Establishments with on-premise consumption are required to collect the 3% tax on all alcohol sales and submit the Mixed Drink Tax Report and fees collected for the City by the 10th day of the following month; otherwise a penalty will be imposed. Postmark dates are accepted. Failure to file the required report or pay the alcohol taxes collected on behalf of the City of Newnan will result in revocation of the alcohol license. Alcohol purchases for resale by the business are to be made through the distributors and shall not be purchased at retail or wholesale stores or clubs by the business.

Unlawful to Grant Licenses

Per City Ordinance, it is unlawful to grant a license for the sale of alcoholic beverages to:

  • A person who is not of good character and reputation in the community in which he resides.
  • A person who has entered a plea of nolo contendere within a five-year period prior to the date of application for a license entered a guilty plea or been convicted of a felony, or of a crime opposed to decency and morality; or who has entered a plea of nolo contendere within a five-year period prior to the date of application for a license, entered a guilty plea or been convicted of a crime involving a violation of the ordinances of the city relating to the use, sale, manufacture, distribution, taxability or possession of beer, wine or liquor or violations of the laws of the state and federal government pertaining to the manufacture, possession, transportation, use, or sale of beer, wine or intoxicating liquors, or taxability thereof.
  • A person whose license under this chapter has been revoked for cause or who has had a license under this chapter revoked for cause.
  • A person whose place or business is conducted by a manager or agent unless such manager or agent qualifies as the licensing representative.
  • Any person who is under the age of 21 years or a person who is not of sound mind and memory.
  • Any law enforcement officer and officer or employee of the city or county.
  • Any person who is not eligible for a state alcoholic beverage license.