LIQUOR LICENSE

1. Do I need a liquor license?  

A valid liquor license is required if you plan to manufacture or sell liquor in the State of Hawai`i.  A business that has a valid liquor license is also referred to as a liquor licensee or licensed premises.

2. How long is a liquor license valid?  

A valid liquor license is valid for one year and must be renewed EVERY YEAR.

3. How do I apply for a liquor license? 

Follow this link:  https://liquorpermits.ehawaii.gov/hawaii/wf/index.html

LIQUOR CARD

1. Do I need a liquor card?  

The liquor card is issued to an employee of a liquor licensee or licensed premises.  The liquor card is not required by our laws and rules in order to work for a liquor licensee or licensed premises.  A liquor card is required if the liquor licensee wants to appoint the employee as a Person in Active Charge (PIAC).  

2. How long is a liquor card valid?  

A liquor card is valid for five years, effective from the month it is issued.

3. How do I get a duplicate liquor card if I lost or misplaced my liquor card?  

If you misplace or lose your liquor card, visit our Hilo or Kona office. You will need to bring a valid photo ID, complete a new registration card, pay a $2 replacement fee, and, if needed, have a new photo taken for your card.

PERSON IN ACTIVE CHARGE

1. What is a Person In Active Charge?  

A Person in Active Charge (”PIAC”), is a twenty-one-year-old employee, designated in writing by the licensee who has passed the required liquor law exam administered by the Department of Liquor Control, and has a valid liquor card. A PIAC is required to be on duty at all times while the business is operating.

2. What is the purpose of a Person In Active Charge?

A liquor licensee or licensed premises is required to have a PIAC on duty at all times while the business is operating.  The PIAC provides proper supervision that the liquor laws are being followed.

LIQUOR LAW AND EXAMINATION CLASS

1. Can I sign up to take a liquor law and exam class to get a liquor card, in anticipation of applying to work in a restaurant or bar that serves liquor?

No, employees do not obtain a liquor card on their own. The liquor licensee is responsible for appointing their employees to take the liquor card class and exam.

2. When is the next liquor law and exam class?

Current class schedule:  Liquor Control Exam Schedule.  Review the dates and choose the session you want to request. Online classes are not offered.  

3. How do I schedule employees for a liquor law and exam class?

• Complete the appointment form with the employee’s information.
• Email the completed form to cohdlc@hawaiicounty.gov.
• Wait for a confirmation email; confirmations are issued based on class availability.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. How can I get a copy of the Rules and Regulations?

You can access digital versions of our Rules and Regulations:

• Rules and Regulations of the Liquor Commission of the County of Hawai‘i
• Chapter 281, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes
• Rules and Regulations of the Liquor Control Adjudication Board of the County of Hawai‘i

2. How do I obtain hard copies of the Rules and Regulations?

You may purchase hardcopies at our office. The available publications and prices are:

• Rules and Regulations of the Liquor Commission of the County of Hawai‘i — $9.20
• Chapter 281, Hawai‘i Revised Statutes — $6.60
• Rules and Regulations of the Liquor Control Adjudication Board of the County of Hawai‘i  — $2.60

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. How do I apply for a Class 10. Special License?

Class 10. Special licenses are restricted to non-profit organizations, political parties and/or political candidates.  These special licenses may be granted for the sale of liquor for consumption on the premises for a period not to exceed one day or for a period not to exceed 3 days and the event shall be open to the public. Please contact our Department to apply at cohdlc@hawaiicounty.gov.

2. How do I request an application form?

Email our Department at cohdlc@hawaiicounty.gov.

3. Can I drink alcohol or intoxicating liquors in public places?

No.  In general, drinking, offering to drink, or displaying in public view, alcoholic beverages, whether in a bottle, jug, container, or otherwise is against the law.

4. Can I drink alcohol or intoxicating liquors in a County of Hawai`i park or facility?

You should contact the County of Hawai`i Department of Parks and Recreation.  In general, drinking, offering to drink, or displaying in public view, alcoholic beverages, whether in a bottle, jug, container, or otherwise is against the law.  However,  you should contact the County of Hawai`i Department of Parks and Recreation to determine if a specific county park or county facility has a limited exception that allows alcoholic beverages.

5. Do I need to obtain a liquor drinking permit for my party from the Department of Liquor Control?

No. The Department of Liquor Control does not issue liquor drinking permits.  The Department regulates the manufacture, sale and service of liquor. 

If you plan to consume liquor or alcohol at a county facility, please contact the County of Hawai`i Department of Parks and Recreation to determine if a specific county park or county facility has a limited exception that allows alcoholic beverages.  Generally, liquor or alcoholic beverages are not allowed in public places.  However, if the County of Hawai`i Department of Parks and Recreation allows alcoholic beverages at its park or facility as an exception, you will be required to follow their requirements.  You may also be required to contact and apply for an intoxicating liquor permit from the  Hawaiʻi Police Department (Intake Desk) and follow all the Hawai`i Police Department requirements.

6. Which islands fall within the jurisdiction of the County of Hawai‘i?

The information and answers provided here are only applicable in the County of Hawai‘i, on the island of Hawai‘i (the Big Island).

The State of Hawai‘i is made up of four separate municipalities: the County of Hawai‘i, the County of Maui, the County of Kaua‘i, and the City and County of Honolulu (O‘ahu island). Each county operates its own Department of Liquor Control. You will need to contact the appropriate county directly for the location you are inquiring about.

7. Can a minor 18-20 years old bartend?

No. A bartender must be 21 years or older.