Brewery / Distillery Permits & Licenses in Reno, NV

Required for all employers in Nevada. Applies to breweries/distilleries that hire staff. Employers must withhold state income tax (if applicable) and file periodic returns. Nevada does not have a personal income tax, but employers must still register and report wages for federal coordination purposes and potential local taxes.

Mandatory for all employers in Nevada. New employer rate is 2.2% (subject to change annually). Employers pay UI tax on first $30,300 of each employee’s wages (2024 taxable wage base). Rate may change based on experience rating after four years.

Required under 27 CFR Part 24 (for breweries) and Part 19 (for distilleries). Must file Form TTBD-5000.31 (Notice of Application for Federal Basic Permit). Includes ongoing excise tax obligations on production. Excise taxes are paid quarterly via Form 720.

Breweries and distilleries must file Form 720 quarterly to report and pay federal excise taxes. Beer tax rates vary by volume and type; distilled spirits taxed at $13.50 per proof gallon. Small producer credits may apply under IRC Section 5051.

Nevada’s Commerce Tax is a gross receipts tax on businesses with over $400,000 in annual revenue. Applies to all business types, including breweries and distilleries. Rate varies by industry: 0.12% for wholesale trade (may apply to distillery sales), 0.331% for retail trade (may apply to taproom sales). Filings are quarterly.

Required in most Nevada cities (e.g., Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson). Each city or county has its own licensing and fee structure. For example, the City of Las Vegas requires a Business Registration Certificate. Renewal is typically annual. Check with local clerk for exact requirements.

Required for all LLCs with employees or that file business tax returns (e.g., excise, employment taxes). Can be obtained online via IRS Form SS-4. Not a tax but a prerequisite for federal tax compliance.

Required for all businesses; brewery/distillery classified under manufacturing/processing

Separate from county license if in city limits; alcohol production requires state ABC approval first

Breweries/distilleries typically allowed in Industrial zones per Title 30 Zoning Code Sec. 30.44

Required for tanks, fermentation areas, structural changes; Southern Nevada Amendments to IBC

Not legally required in Nevada for breweries or distilleries. May be advisable for consulting services or custom formulation work, but not standard for production facilities.

Required for all LLCs; file online or by mail. Initial List of Managers/Members due at formation.

Required for ALL businesses operating in Nevada; fee based on gross revenue tiers.

Required for all LLCs; filed with Secretary of State.

Required for brewing beer or distilling spirits for sale; direct shipper permit also available for $300.

Specific to distilleries producing spirits; breweries use Manufacturer's Agent license.

Required if using trade name/assumed name/DBA; county recording may also apply.

Breweries/distilleries typically prohibited from self-distribution; conditional on business model.

Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Nevada. Breweries/distilleries selling on-site (e.g., tasting rooms) must collect and remit sales tax on retail sales. Registration includes sales tax and use tax obligations.

Required for all LLCs operating as a brewery/distillery for tax administration, even if no employees are hired. Used for federal tax filings, including excise taxes administered by TTB.

Required for distilleries under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act. Must be obtained from TTB prior to production. Includes fingerprinting and background check for principals.

Required for all breweries under 27 CFR Part 25. Must be filed with TTB and includes a surety bond (typically $1,000–$500,000 depending on tax liability).

NFPA 30/IBC compliance for flammable storage; annual inspection may apply

Plan review required for new facilities; Reg. 6 Food Code applies if food handled

Chapter 14.16 LVMC; freestanding signs limited in non-commercial zones

NFPA 72 compliance; monitored systems required for commercial occupancy

Confirms zoning, building, fire code compliance

All businesses; manufacturing uses reviewed for zoning fit

RMC 5.04; alcohol producers need state liquor license verification

Required for all employers with one or more employees in Nevada, including part-time workers. Sole proprietors may elect out if no employees. Coverage must be obtained through a private insurer or self-insurance (if approved).

Not legally required by Nevada state law, but strongly recommended and often required by landlords, distributors, and event organizers. May be mandated indirectly through contracts or leases.

Required for all vehicles registered under the business. Minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $20,000 property damage. Nevada is a financial responsibility state.

Breweries and distilleries must pay federal excise taxes on production. Small producer tax credits apply: up to $16/gallon for first 10,000 gallons of beer, $2.83/gallon for first 100,000 proof gallons of spirits (26 U.S.C. § 5051). Must register with TTB for tax reporting.

Applies to all employers with employees. Brewery/distillery operations involve hazards such as pressurized systems, confined spaces, and chemical exposure. Required to provide safety training, maintain OSHA 300 logs (if over 10 employees), and post OSHA workplace poster (Form 3165).

Applies to breweries/distilleries with tasting rooms or retail operations. Requires accessible entrances, restrooms, counters, and pathways per ADA Standards for Accessible Design (28 CFR Part 36).

Applies if facility stores regulated quantities of oil. Common in breweries/distilleries using large boilers, generators, or fuel tanks. Requires certified engineering plan and regular inspections.

Large boilers or distillation operations may require Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permits or Title V operating permits under the Clean Air Act. Most small breweries/distilleries are below thresholds, but must self-evaluate.

Prohibits deceptive advertising, false claims (e.g., "organic" without certification), and misleading labeling. Applies to all marketing, including websites and social media. Must disclose paid endorsements per FTC Guides Concerning Endorsements and Testimonials.

All employers must verify identity and work eligibility using Form I-9. Applies to all employees, including U.S. citizens. Employers must retain forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after termination.

Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and overtime (1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week). Applies to all employees in brewery/distillery operations, including tasting room staff.

Requires eligible employees (12 months service, 1,250 hours) to be granted up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually for qualifying reasons. Posting of FMLA notice required.

Required under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). All domestic food facilities must register with FDA. Renewal required every even-numbered year (October 1–December 31). Brewery/distillery is considered a food facility.

FDA requires ingredient and nutrition labeling on containers sold in multi-unit packages (e.g., 6-packs). TTB has primary label authority, but FDA regulates nutritional content disclosure. Effective January 1, 2025, nutrition facts required on draft menus for beer if standard disclosure applies.

Distilled spirits (ethanol) are Class 3 flammable liquids. Requires registration with DOT, employee training, proper packaging, and labeling per 49 CFR. Applies only if shipping in quantities above thresholds.

LLCs in Nevada must file a Biennial Statement every odd-numbered year (e.g., 2023, 2025). The filing is due by the end of the month in which the business was formed. Includes updated information on managers, officers, and registered agent. Failure to file may result in administrative dissolution.

EIN itself does not require renewal, but businesses must file annual tax returns (e.g., Form 1120-S for pass-through entities, Form 941 quarterly, Form 940 annually) if applicable. Penalties accrue for late or unfiled returns.

Required for businesses that serve alcohol on-site. Known as "Dram Shop Insurance," it protects against claims arising from serving intoxicated patrons. Mandated by NRS 369.375 and enforced during license review.

Not legally required in Nevada, but highly recommended for breweries/distilleries due to risk of contamination, labeling errors, or consumer injury. Often bundled with general liability.

A surety bond is required as part of the licensing process for alcohol manufacturers. The bond amount varies by license type and is set by the Nevada Department of Taxation. It guarantees compliance with NRS Chapter 369 and payment of taxes.

Commerce tax rate varies by business type; breweries/distilleries fall under 'Other Services' at 1.475%. First $4 million in revenue exempt. Must register with Nevada Department of Taxation.

MBT is 1.475% on wages over $50,000 annually. Applies to employers with employees in Nevada. Must file Form MBT-100 quarterly.

Breweries must pay federal excise tax under 26 U.S.C. 5051. Small producers (under 6 million barrels) pay $16 per barrel on first 60,000 barrels, $18 thereafter. Must file Form 720 monthly.

Distillers must pay federal excise tax under 26 U.S.C. 5001. Rates vary by product. Must file Form 720 monthly.

Must file Form ABT-100 monthly. Tax rates: $0.50 per gallon for beer, $2.00 per gallon for spirits. Applies to all licensed producers.

Brewers must maintain a qualified bond (Form 5110.17), file monthly reports (Form 5130.9), and allow TTB inspections. No formal renewal, but ongoing compliance required.

DSP permit holders must file monthly reports (Form 5110.33), maintain detailed production records, and allow TTB inspections. No expiration, but must remain in compliance.

If food is served, the facility is subject to routine health inspections under Nevada Food Code. Inspection frequency varies by risk classification.

Fire inspections required for occupancy permits. Includes review of fire suppression systems, exits, storage of flammable materials (e.g., ethanol in distilleries).

Employers with 11+ employees must maintain OSHA 300 logs of work-related injuries and illnesses. Form 300A must be posted annually. Exempt if under 10 employees or in low-risk industry (but breweries/distilleries may not qualify).

Employers must provide safe workplace, post OSHA poster (see below), and comply with hazard communication, machine guarding, and chemical safety standards. Distilleries handling ethanol must comply with flammable liquid standards.

Must display: Nevada Minimum Wage Poster, OSHA Job Safety Law Poster, Workers’ Compensation Notice, and Federal OSHA Poster (if applicable). Available for free download.

Original or certified copy of the Nevada alcohol license must be displayed in a conspicuous location visible to the public at all times.

Must issue W-2 to employees and 1099-NEC to contractors by January 31. E-file required for 10+ forms.

Employers must file Form UI-3/40 quarterly and pay unemployment insurance tax. New employers start at 2.9% rate.

All businesses in Nevada must obtain and renew a local business license annually. Contact local government (e.g., Clark County, City of Las Vegas) for exact deadline and fee. Example: Clark County renewal due by end of month of issuance.

Required for any new product formula. Must submit Form 5150.33. Approval can take 30–90 days. Not recurring unless new products introduced.

Required for businesses selling tobacco. Must renew annually and file monthly tax returns.