Tempe Series 11 Hotel and Motel License – Tempe Series 11 License
Hotels and motels in Tempe that operate a restaurant or bar on-site and want to serve the full range of spirituous liquor to guests need an Arizona Series 11 Hotel and Motel license. Tempe's hotel market—including the upscale properties along Tempe Town Lake and the business hotels serving the ASU research corridor and the Tempe biotechnology and semiconductor sectors—uses the Series 11 hotel/motel license to operate hotel bars, restaurants, and event facilities serving both guests and the local community. The Series 11 is a non-transferable, non-quota on-sale license issued by the DLLC to bona fide hotel or motel operations. It allows the sale of all spirituous liquor—beer, wine, and spirits—for on-premises consumption in hotel bars, hotel restaurants, banquet facilities, and guest room minibars. To qualify, the hotel or motel must operate a restaurant on the premises and must derive at least 40% of gross revenue from food sales. The Series 11 license is specific to the hotel property and cannot be moved or sold.
What the Series 11 License Authorizes in Tempe
A Series 11 license in Tempe generally allows you to:
• Sell beer, wine, and distilled spirits for on-premises consumption in hotel bars, restaurants, and banquet facilities
• Provide in-room minibar service to registered guests age 21 and over via key or magnetic card access
• Operate hotel room service alcohol delivery to registered guests
• Serve alcohol at hotel banquets, events, and catered functions held on the licensed hotel premises
Is a Series 11 License Right for Your Tempe Business?
A Series 11 license may be the right fit if:
• Your Tempe business is a bona fide hotel or motel with an on-site restaurant that derives at least 40% of gross revenue from food sales
• You want to offer full spirits, wine, and beer service at hotel bars, restaurants, and room service without a quota license
• Your hospitality concept requires in-room minibar service for registered guests
• Your hotel hosts banquet events or conferences where full bar service is essential for guests
How Liquor License Agents Helps Series 11 Applicants and Buyers in Tempe
The Series 11 requires compliance with Arizona's hotel/motel licensing standards, ongoing food revenue monitoring, and coordination with Tempe local authorities. Liquor License Agents assists by:
• Confirming that your Tempe hotel or motel concept meets the DLLC's qualifying criteria for a Series 11 license
• Preparing a complete DLLC application including the required Restaurant Operation Plan, premises diagrams, and ownership disclosures
• Advising on the 40% food revenue requirement and how to structure operations to maintain ongoing compliance
• Coordinating with Tempe local authorities on the governing body review and 20-day public posting process
• Assisting with license renewals and advising on DLLC compliance audits for food revenue ratio requirements
• Helping you understand the restrictions on the Series 11—including its non-transferability and location-specific nature—before you commit
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 11 License FAQs
What is a Series 11 license and who qualifies in Tempe?
A Series 11 Hotel and Motel license issued by the Arizona DLLC authorizes bona fide hotels and motels with an on-site restaurant to sell beer, wine, and spirits for on-premises consumption. To qualify, the hotel must operate a restaurant on the premises and must derive at least 40% of gross revenue from food sales. It is a non-quota, non-transferable license specific to the licensed property.
Is the Series 11 a quota license in Tempe?
No. The Series 11 is a non-quota license, meaning there is no population cap on the number of Series 11 licenses issued in Maricopa County. Qualifying hotels apply directly through the DLLC and pay the applicable annual fee without entering a lottery or purchasing on the secondary market.
Can a Series 11 license be transferred when a hotel is sold in Tempe?
No. The Series 11 is a non-transferable license issued specifically to the owner or operator of a particular hotel property. If the hotel is sold, the new owner must apply for a new Series 11 license through the DLLC rather than transferring the existing license. This is one of the key differences between the Series 11 and a transferable quota license.
What happens if a Series 11 hotel's food revenue falls below 40% in Tempe?
If a Series 11 hotel or motel no longer derives at least 40% of gross revenue from food sales, it may lose its qualification for the license and be subject to DLLC enforcement action. The DLLC may conduct audits to verify compliance with the food revenue requirement. Maintaining accurate financial records and monitoring revenue ratios is essential for all Series 11 licensees.
Can a Series 11 hotel provide minibar service in Tempe?
Yes. A Series 11 hotel in Tempe may provide minibar service to registered guests age 21 and over via key or magnetic card device access. Minibar access may not be furnished to guests between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. under Arizona law.
How long does it take to get a Series 11 license for a new hotel in Tempe?
The DLLC targets a 65 to 105 day processing window for new license applications. For new hotel properties, the timeline may be extended if building permits, restaurant inspections, or other pre-opening approvals are pending. We advise clients on sequencing the DLLC application with their hotel's construction and opening schedule.
Schedule an Appointment | (800) 799-9081
If you are opening, acquiring, or planning a business in Tempe that needs a Series 11 license, call (800) 799-9081 to schedule an appointment and review your options, local requirements, and next steps with an experienced advisor.