Maricopa County Series 9 Liquor Store License
Retail liquor stores and package stores in Maricopa County that want to sell the full range of spirituous liquor, beer, wine, and distilled spirits, in sealed original packages for off-premises consumption need an Arizona Series 9 Liquor Store License. Maricopa County's retail liquor market, from specialty wine shops to neighborhood package stores serving Downtown Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale, Tempe Mill Avenue, Arcadia, and Glendale Westgate, requires the Series 9 quota liquor store license to sell packaged beer, wine, and spirits for off-premises consumption. The Series 9 is a quota license issued by the DLLC, with availability in Maricopa County limited by county population. No on-premises consumption is permitted under a Series 9 license. Series 9 licenses are transferable within the county and can be obtained through the DLLC lottery or purchased on the open secondary market. Retailers with a Series 9 may also deliver spirituous liquor off the licensed premises in connection with a retail sale, with payment due no later than at the time of delivery.
Liquor License Agents helps Maricopa County retailers and buyers analyze the Series 9 market and execute transfers on realistic timelines.
What the Series 9 License Authorizes in Maricopa County
A Series 9 license in Maricopa County generally allows you to:
- Sell beer, wine, and distilled spirits in sealed original packages for off-premises consumption
- Operate a dedicated retail liquor store or package store
- Deliver spirituous liquor off the licensed premises in connection with a retail sale
- Transfer the license to a new owner or a different location within the same county
Is a Series 9 License Right for Your Maricopa County Business?
A Series 9 license may be the right fit if:
- Your business is a dedicated liquor store or package store selling the full range of beer, wine, and spirits
- You want to offer distilled spirits alongside beer and wine in a retail off-premises format
- You want a transferable quota license that can be sold or relocated within the county
- Your business model centers on retail off-premises spirits sales rather than on-premises service
How Liquor License Agents Helps Series 9 Applicants and Buyers in Maricopa County
Liquor License Agents supports Series 9 projects in Maricopa County by:
- Evaluating current Series 9 quota availability and open-market pricing in Maricopa County
- Brokering the purchase and transfer of existing Series 9 licenses from sellers in the Phoenix market
- Assisting with valuation, negotiation, escrow coordination, and DLLC transfer applications
- Advising on the DLLC lottery as an alternative acquisition path when new licenses become available
- Reviewing your Phoenix location for local zoning compliance, proximity restrictions, and local governing body requirements
- Managing the DLLC transfer process and responding to any requests or issues that arise
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 in Maricopa County.
Maricopa County Series 9 License FAQs
What is a Series 9 license and what can I sell in Phoenix?
An Arizona Series 9 Liquor Store License allows you to sell beer, wine, and distilled spirits in sealed original packages for off-premises consumption at your Maricopa County retail location. No on-premises consumption is permitted. Retailers may also deliver spirituous liquor off the licensed premises in connection with a retail sale, with payment due at the time of delivery.
Is the Series 9 license subject to quota restrictions in Maricopa County?
Yes. The Series 9 is a quota license with availability in Maricopa County capped by county population under Arizona law. In populated counties, the quota is typically exhausted, meaning the only path to a Series 9 is purchasing from an existing holder on the open market.
How does the Series 9 differ from the Series 10 beer and wine store license in Phoenix?
The Series 9 permits the retail sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits in sealed packages, while the Series 10 covers only packaged beer and wine, no spirits. The Series 9 is a quota license subject to population caps, while the Series 10 is non-quota and available through direct DLLC application. If you need to sell spirits at your retail store, you need a Series 9.
Can a Series 9 license be transferred to a different location in Phoenix?
Yes. Series 9 quota licenses are transferable from person to person and from location to location within Maricopa County, subject to DLLC approval and local governing body review at the new address. This transferability makes the Series 9 a flexible and valuable asset for retail liquor operators.
What local requirements apply to Series 9 licensees in Phoenix?
In addition to DLLC requirements, Phoenix imposes local governing body review, 20 day public posting at the proposed location, and may apply local zoning restrictions and distance rules from schools (generally 300 feet under Arizona law, though some exemptions apply). We review your specific address before you commit.
How long does it take to complete a Series 9 license transfer in Phoenix?
DLLC targets a 65 to 105 day processing window for license transfers. Timelines depend on application completeness, local governing body review, and background check processing. Engaging experienced representation early in the process is the most reliable way to align your license with your lease and store opening.
Schedule an Appointment | (800) 799-9081
If you are opening, acquiring, or planning a business in Maricopa County that needs a Series 9 license, call (800) 799-9081 to schedule an appointment and review your options, local requirements, and next steps with an experienced advisor.