Opening a restaurant or tavern?

For those who would like to open a business that serves alcoholic beverages, an application to the Neighborhood and Community Services Department’s Regulated Industries is mandatory. Regulated Industries is responsible for permits and licenses regarding liquor, catering licenses, sidewalk café licenses, picnic permits, adult entertainment, dance halls and a bit more.

• To contact a Regulated Industries Division staff member, call 816 – 784-9000.
• For frequently asked Liquor License questions, click here.
• Regulated Industries checklists and applications are available here.

Though the CCA is not a consenter in the Liquor License application process, because of the organization’s fiduciary relationship with members of the community, they are able to make recommendations to consenters who request CCA input. Therefore, it is beneficial for the applicant to meet with the Liquor License Committee for review of the proposed business plan. For an appointment, email contact@kccrossroads.org.

The CCA currently has the following recommendations in regard to all liquor license applicants:

• No application for an extended hours permit will be submitted and no extended hours permit will be issued.
• Only third party rentals of Event Spaces.
• The liquor license will be non-transferable and will be held in the name of the business and no sale or change of ownership of the business will be permitted without completing a new consent process unless the operating days and hours outlined in the original application remain the same and the change of ownership is in compliance with the provisions of 10 – 266 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Kansas City.

The CCA Liquor License Committee also encourages all applicants to adhere to current noise level restrictions as set forth by the City of Kansas City.

The goal of the CCA Liquor License Committee is to facilitate cooperation and conversation between license applicants and consenters, balancing the need for security and livability with a desire to see the Crossroads Arts District continue to grow in exciting, beneficial ways. Applicants are encouraged in the initial stages of the process to reach out to current businesses and residents to explain in full their proposed business plan and work with the CCA to ensure community wide awareness and support.

Working together we can continue to encourage new business ventures and continued growth that work well for everyone!