Tempe Series 6 Bar License – Tempe Series 6 License
Bars, cocktail lounges, nightclubs, sports bars, and entertainment venues in Tempe that want to serve the full range of spirituous liquor—beer, wine, and distilled spirits—for on-premises consumption need an Arizona Series 6 Bar license. Tempe's vibrant university bar scene—concentrated around Arizona State University's main campus, Mill Avenue, and the Tempe Marketplace area—along with its growing Downtown Tempe restaurant and entertainment corridor, depends on the Series 6 quota bar license to serve the full range of spirits, beer, and wine to one of Arizona's most active nightlife markets. The Series 6 is issued by the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control (DLLC) and is a quota license, meaning the number available in Maricopa County is limited by state law based on county population. Series 6 licenses may be obtained through the DLLC's liquor license lottery when new licenses become available, or by purchasing an existing license from a current holder on the open market. Once issued, the Series 6 is transferable from person to person and from location to location within the same county. There is no food revenue requirement for a Series 6 licensee.
What the Series 6 License Authorizes in Tempe
A Series 6 license in Tempe generally allows you to:
• Sell and serve beer, wine, and distilled spirits by individual portions for on-premises consumption
• Make off-sale package sales of spirituous liquor, limited to 30% of the sales price of on-sale spirituous liquors
• Operate a bar, nightclub, lounge, or entertainment venue with no minimum food revenue requirement
• Transfer the license to a new owner or a different location within the same county
Is a Series 6 License Right for Your Tempe Business?
A Series 6 license may be the right fit if:
• Your Tempe concept is a bar, nightclub, cocktail lounge, or entertainment venue where spirits service is central
• You do not want or do not qualify for a food-tied license like the Series 12 restaurant license
• You want a transferable quota license that can be sold or relocated within the county
• Your business model focuses on full bar service without a minimum food sales requirement
How Liquor License Agents Helps Series 6 Applicants and Buyers in Tempe
The Series 6 is one of the most sought-after and most valuable liquor licenses in Arizona. In Tempe and Maricopa County, acquiring one requires navigating either the DLLC lottery or the open secondary market, where prices reflect the scarcity of quota licenses. Liquor License Agents assists by:
• Advising on current Series 6 quota availability and open-market pricing in Maricopa County
• Brokering the purchase and transfer of existing Series 6 licenses from sellers in the Tempe market
• Assisting with valuation, negotiation, escrow coordination, and DLLC transfer applications
• Advising on the annual DLLC liquor license lottery as an alternative acquisition path when new licenses become available
• Coordinating with Tempe and Maricopa County local authorities on any zoning, local governing body review, or 20-day public posting requirements
• Managing the DLLC application and transfer process, responding to requests, and helping you avoid delays
Our goal is to keep license work in sync with your lease, build-out, and opening timeline so your alcohol permissions are not the last piece to fall into place.
Tempe Series 6 License FAQs
What is a Series 6 Bar license and what can I serve in Tempe?
A Series 6 Bar license issued by the Arizona DLLC allows you to sell beer, wine, and distilled spirits by the drink for on-premises consumption at your Tempe bar or entertainment venue. You may also make limited off-sale package sales (up to 30% of the sales price of on-sale liquor sold). There is no food revenue requirement for a Series 6 licensee.
Why is the Series 6 license so expensive in Tempe?
The Series 6 is a quota license, meaning the number available in Maricopa County is capped by Arizona law based on county population. Once the quota is exhausted, the only way to obtain a Series 6 is to purchase one on the open secondary market from an existing holder—which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in densely populated Maricopa County markets like Tempe.
Can I win a Series 6 license through the DLLC lottery in Tempe?
Yes. When new Series 6 licenses become available in Maricopa County due to population growth, the DLLC may hold a lottery to randomly select applicants. Successful lottery applicants must pay a fair market value issuance fee set by the DLLC, which is separate from the standard application fee. Lotteries are infrequent and competition is intense. We advise clients on both the lottery and secondary market paths.
Can a Series 6 license be transferred to a new owner or location in Tempe?
Yes. Series 6 quota licenses are transferable from person to person and from location to location within Maricopa County, subject to DLLC approval and compliance with local governing body review at the new address. This flexibility is one of the key advantages of a quota license over non-transferable licenses like the Series 12.
What local review requirements apply to Series 6 applications in Tempe?
When you apply for or transfer a Series 6 license in Tempe, the DLLC sends your application to the Tempe governing body (typically the City Clerk or police department) for a 20-day public review period. Local authorities may impose additional conditions, zoning requirements, or distance restrictions. We help you prepare for and navigate this process.
How long does it take to transfer a Series 6 license in Tempe?
The DLLC targets a 65 to 105 day processing window for standard license applications and transfers, though timelines can vary depending on the complexity of your application, local governing body review, background check timelines, and whether any issues arise during processing. Starting the process as early as possible is essential to aligning your license with your lease and opening schedule.
Schedule an Appointment | (800) 799-9081
If you are opening, acquiring, or planning a business in Tempe that needs a Series 6 license, call (800) 799-9081 to schedule an appointment and review your options, local requirements, and next steps with an experienced advisor.