Overview

These licenses are for the sale of liquor by the glass for consumption on the premises where sold. A Restaurant License is required in conjunction with all new Liquor - On Sale Licenses except in the Downtown Business District and Commercial Development Districts. Wine and Malt On-Sale (Strong) Licenses require the sale of alcohol to occur in conjunction with the sale and service of food. Additionally, a majority of total sales must be attributable to the sale of food. Full On-Sale Liquor Licenses for new establishments located outside of the Downtown Business District and Commercial Development Districts can only be issued to hotels, restaurants, and non-profit private colleges. Restaurants require at least sixty (60) percent of all sales be attributable to the sale of food. If you have questions, contact a DSI Project Facilitator at 651-266-8989, or email the DSI Message Center.

Code Requirements

See Chapter 409 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code for information about on sale liquor licenses.

Application Requirements

Apply online at PAULIE*

*If you would like to complete your application on paper, please request a paper application by calling 651-266-8989, emailing dsi-informationandcomplaints@ci.stpaul.mn.us or stopping into our office at 375 Jackson Street.

Inspections

  • Your application will be administratively reviewed by DSI Licensing, Zoning and Fire Inspection staff. This review may include on site inspections(s) to verify compliance with applicable regulations. You will be informed of any required inspections including the name and telephone number of the inspector after the submission of a completed license application. The location must comply with all applicable regulations and/or license conditions before a license may be issued.
  • This license application is subject to the Public Notification Administrative Process.
  • It will be necessary to obtain a Buyers Card from the State of Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division (AGED) at 444 Cedar Street, Suite 222, Saint Paul, MN 55101. You can also call them at 651-201-7507.

Fees

See Fee Table for current License fees

Expiration/Renewal

A Liquor - On Sale License will expire one year from date of issuance (or expire with Liquor Liability expiration date) and may be renewed annually.

Introducing PAULIE: The City's New Permitting and Licensing Platform​

The City of Saint Paul is now using PAULIE. This new platform reimagines how we handle permits, licenses, inspections, and enforcement. You can now apply, track application status, and communicate with City staff in one centralized, secure, and mobile-friendly platform.​​

To get started, click the "Get Ready" button below. This will take you to our dedicated PAULIE webpage, providing important information about what to expect in the new platform.​

Get Ready to Apply in PAULIE

When you're ready to apply:​

  • Open the application link. This will bring you to the application listing in PAULIE. If you're not already logged in, you'll first need to log in or register for a free account. ​
  • Register for a free account. This will allow you to track all licensing, permitting, and inspection needs in one place.​
  • Follow application instructions. PAULIE will guide you through the application process step-by-step. You can save and continue your application at any time.​

Submit Your Application in PAULIE

Overview

These licenses are for the sale of liquor by the glass for consumption on the premises where sold. A Restaurant License is required in conjunction with all new Liquor - On Sale Licenses except in the Downtown Business District and Commercial Development Districts. Wine and Malt On-Sale (Strong) Licenses require the sale of alcohol to occur in conjunction with the sale and service of food. Additionally, a majority of total sales must be attributable to the sale of food. Full On-Sale Liquor Licenses for new establishments located outside of the Downtown Business District and Commercial Development Districts can only be issued to hotels, restaurants, and non-profit private colleges. Restaurants require at least sixty (60) percent of all sales be attributable to the sale of food. If you have questions, contact a DSI Project Facilitator at 651-266-8989, or email the DSI Message Center.

Code Requirements

See Chapter 409 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code for information about on sale liquor licenses.

Application Requirements

*If you would like to complete your application on paper, please request a paper application by calling 651-266-8989, emailing dsi-informationandcomplaints@ci.stpaul.mn.us or stopping into our office at 375 Jackson Street.

Inspections

  • Your application will be administratively reviewed by DSI Licensing, Zoning and Fire Inspection staff. This review may include on site inspections(s) to verify compliance with applicable regulations. You will be informed of any required inspections including the name and telephone number of the inspector after the submission of a completed license application. The location must comply with all applicable regulations and/or license conditions before a license may be issued.
  • This license application is subject to the Public Notification Administrative Process.
  • It will be necessary to obtain a Buyers Card from the State of Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division (AGED) at 444 Cedar Street, Suite 222, Saint Paul, MN 55101. You can also call them at 651-201-7507.

Fees

See Fee Table for current License fees

Expiration/Renewal

A Liquor - On Sale License will expire one year from date of issuance (or expire with Liquor Liability expiration date) and may be renewed annually.

Last Edited: September 17, 2025