Liquor License FeedHawaii liquor license types, in plain words
What each license or permit allows, in the statute's own words, with a note on who usually holds it. Every filing on the Hawaii page is labeled this way.
Restaurant General · Dispenser General · Retail General · Restaurant General transfer · Retail General transfer · Hotel · Cabaret · Small Craft Producer Pub
Restaurant, beer, wine and spirits (Restaurant General)
A license under this class shall authorize the licensee to sell liquor specified in this subsection for consumption on the premises
A restaurant pouring drinks with meals.
Bar, beer, wine and spirits (Dispenser General)
A license under this class shall authorize the licensee to sell liquor specified in this subsection for consumption on the premises. A licensee under this class shall be issued a license according to the category of establishment the licensee owns or operates.
A bar or lounge, where drinks are the business.
Store, beer, wine and spirits to go (Retail General)
A license to sell liquor at retail or to class 10 licensees shall authorize the licensee to sell the liquor therein specified in their original packages.
A liquor store, grocery or convenience store.
Restaurant, beer, wine and spirits, new owner (Restaurant General transfer)
A license under this class shall authorize the licensee to sell liquor specified in this subsection for consumption on the premises
An open restaurant bought by a new owner, who often picks new vendors.
Store, beer, wine and spirits to go, new owner (Retail General transfer)
A license to sell liquor at retail or to class 10 licensees shall authorize the licensee to sell the liquor therein specified in their original packages.
An open store bought by a new owner.
Hotel, beer, wine and spirits (Hotel)
A license to sell liquor in a hotel shall authorize the licensee to provide entertainment and dancing on the hotel premises and to sell all liquor except alcohol for consumption on the premises
A hotel's bars and restaurants under one license.
Nightclub with dancing, beer, wine and spirits (Cabaret)
A cabaret license shall be general only but shall exclude alcohol and shall authorize the sale of liquor for consumption on the premises.
A nightclub with food, a dance floor and music.
Brewpub or small distillery with a bar (Small Craft Producer Pub)
Class 18. Small craft producer pub license.
Makes its own beer, wine or spirits and pours them on site.
Source: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol05_Ch0261-0319/HRS0281/HRS_0281-0031.htm, https://www.honolulu.gov/liq/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/04/HRS_281_072018_Website.pdf, checked 2026-11-04.
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