Would i need a permit to have a bar business in my basement?

Question

nothing fancy, just a name.. a small bar, some couches / seats and invite friends and whomever, regardless of knowing them.

or if i did a public invite via myspace to my bar, making sure all id's are checked.. would a permit be needed?

Answer 1

If you're charging money to serve liquor, you'd need a liquor license issued by your state's Alcoholic Beverages Commission, or whatever name they're known by in your state.

It's HIGHLY unlikely that you'd get one.

Answer 2

In your basement?  In a residential area?  I think you need a reality check here.  You might get away with calling it a private party for a few days, until the neighbors complained to the police about all the cars and noise and you and your guests were busted with a party in full swing.  Any money the police could find in the room, maybe even in the house, would be confiscated as evidence, and you would probably face some jail time.

You must locate a bar in a commercial area, not a residential area.  You need MANY permits, from the city, from the state, and probably from the federal government as well.  Health department permit, city business license, state liquor license, state resale permit, federal liquor license, and that's just for starters.  Bars are only allowed in a few commercial zones, and usually not near a residential area.  Liquor distributors cannot even sell to you unless you're in full compliance with all applicable laws.