Liquor License & ABO Cards

In Shreveport, any employee involved in the sale, handling, or service of alcoholic beverages must obtain an Alcoholic Beverage Operator (ABO) Card. This includes bartenders, servers, cashiers at liquor stores, and security personnel working in establishments where alcohol is served.

The ABO card ensures that employees understand local and state alcohol laws, including age restrictions, responsible service practices, and penalties for violations. Employers are required to verify that staff members handling alcohol have a valid ABO card to remain compliant with city regulations. The card must be renewed periodically, and failure to obtain one can result in fines for both the employee and the business.

In Shreveport, there are two types of Alcoholic Beverage Operator (ABO) Cards: Class A and Class B, each applying to different roles within alcohol-related businesses.

Class A ABO Card

A Class A ABO Card is required for individuals working in establishments where alcohol is served for on-premises consumption. This includes:
 Where Alcohol is not the only thing that is sold.

• Box Stores, Convenient Stores, & Grocery Stores

• Restaurant Servers & Workers

• Cashiers, Hostess, Kitchen Workers, & Stockers

 • Customer Service Rep., Front Desk, & Salesclerks • Volunteer for Special Event (not bartenders)

Fee: $27.00 Credit/Debit Card (online), money order, cash (in-person)

Class B ABO Card

All Owners & Managers

• All Liquor Stores Employees & Bar Employees

• All Bartenders, Casino Waitresses, & Bar Back

 • Alcohol Caterers, Microbrewery & Micro distiller

• Alcohol Delivery Drivers (Must be 21 for Driver)

Money Order $53.00 Credit/Debit Card, cash or money order

Who Does NOT Need a Class A Card?

  • Kitchen staff, dishwashers, and maintenance workers not handling alcohol do not require an ABO card.

Apply for an ABO Card

You must bring the required documents. You will be photographed and fingerprinted and given a temporary ABO card to use for employment. Once your background check is completed and approved, you may pick up your official ABO card. Your official card is valid for two years and must be renewed before expiration to remain compliant. You will be notified via email when your regular card is ready to be picked up at 1234 Texas Street.

  • Valid ID (e.g., driver's license, passport).
  • Social Security Card (if it's your first time applying).
  • For Class A Applicants: New photo required.

You must appear in person on the day you submit your online application to complete the process.

For Class B Applicants:

You need to bring one of the following additional documents:

Visit the Facility

· Location: 1234 Texas Ave, Shreveport, LA (ABO office).

Entrance: It is nearest to the city court, across from the city bus terminal

TO OBTAIN A SHREVEPORT LIQUOR LICENSE

Shreveport Liquor License Application Checklist

1. Determine License Type

  • Class A (On-Premises Consumption) – Bars, restaurants, clubs
  • Class B (Off-Premises Consumption) – Liquor stores, grocery stores

✅2. Verify Zoning Compliance

  • Check if your business location is zoned for alcohol sales
  • Contact Shreveport-Caddo Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC): (318) 673-6480

 3. Register Your Business

  • Register with Louisiana Secretary of State → geauxbiz.sos.la.gov
  • Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) → irs.gov
  • Get a Shreveport Occupational License (City of Shreveport Finance Department)

4. Apply for a State Alcohol Permit

  • Submit an application to the Louisiana Office of Alcohol & Tobacco Control (ATC)
  • Visit atc.la.gov for forms and requirements

5. Apply for a Local Alcohol Permit (ABO License) (website URL)

  • Apply through the Shreveport Alcoholic Beverage Office (ABO)
  • Contact (318) 673-7300 for application forms

 6. Complete Background Checks

  • Owners and managers must pass a criminal background check
  • Fingerprinting may be required

 7. Obtain Required Inspections & Approvals

  • Fire Department Inspection – Ensure compliance with safety regulations
  • Health Department Inspection (if serving food)
  • Building & Code Enforcement Approval

 8. Attend ABO Hearing (If Required)

  • Some applications may require a public hearing before approval

 9. Pay License Fees

  • Fees vary based on license type and business classification

 10. Receive Your License & Display It

  • Once approved, pick up your official liquor license
  • Display it prominently at your business location

Stay Compliant: Renew your liquor license annually and follow all state and local alcohol laws.

State Fees:

The Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control (ATC) assesses annual fees for alcoholic beverage permits. The fees differ depending on the permit type and the location's population size. For instance, a Class A-General retail permit costs $200 for each place of business in any city in the state. 

legis.la.gov

Local Fees (Shreveport):

The City of Shreveport imposes additional fees for liquor licenses, which are as follows:

  • Class "A" (BW) On-Premises: $75.00
  • Class "A" (BWL) On-Premises: $575.00
  • Class "B" (BW) Off-Premises: $60.00
  • Class "B" (BWL) Off-Premises: $560.00

Additionally, there is a processing fee for liquor licenses:

  • Initial Application: $500.00
  • Renewal/Supplement Application: $100.00

These fees are payable to the Revenue Division, which will issue the license upon processing. Processing of the license application will take approximately 2 to 3 weeks.