Brewery / Distillery Permits & Licenses in Provo, UT

Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a brewery / distillery in Provo, UT. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.

Assumed Name (DBA) Registration

Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code
May Apply
Fee: $22.00-$22.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Renewal every 5 years for $22; applies to all businesses using DBAs.

Utah LLC Registration (Certificate of Organization)

Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code
Required
Fee: $54.00-$54.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Required for all LLCs. Annual renewal report required separately.

Utah LLC Annual Renewal Report

Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code
Required
Fee: $18.00-$18.00
Renewal: annual
Type: registration

Applies to all LLCs; must be filed online.

Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturer License (Brewery)

Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS)
Required
Fee: $2000.00-$2000.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Specific to brewery operations; federal TTB permit prerequisite. Updated fee schedule effective FY2025.

Alcoholic Beverage Manufacturer License (Distillery)

Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS)
Required
Fee: $5000.00-$5000.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Specific to distillery operations; federal TTB permit prerequisite. Updated fee schedule effective FY2025.

Master License (if selling directly to consumers)

Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Services (DABS)
May Apply
Fee: $300.00-$300.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Required for brewery/distillery taprooms or on-site consumption areas.

State Tax Commission Business Registration (sales tax license)

Utah State Tax Commission
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Required if collecting sales tax; applies to most businesses including breweries/distilleries selling products.

Utah State Sales Tax Permit

Utah State Tax Commission
Required
Fee: $15.00-$15.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Required for all businesses selling tangible goods or certain taxable services in Utah. Breweries and distilleries must collect sales tax on retail sales of beer, spirits, and merchandise. Registration is done through the Utah Tax Commission’s online portal.

Utah State Income Tax Withholding Registration

Utah State Tax Commission
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Mandatory for employers in Utah. Applies to all businesses with employees. Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages and remit it to the Utah State Tax Commission.

Utah Unemployment Insurance Tax Registration

Utah Workforce Services
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

All employers in Utah must register with Utah Workforce Services and pay unemployment insurance (UI) tax. Rate varies by employer experience rating; new employers pay 1.5% on first $41,800 of each employee’s wages (2024 rate).

Federal Excise Tax Registration (TTB)

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Breweries and distilleries must register with TTB and pay federal excise taxes under 26 U.S.C. § 5000. Must file Form 720 quarterly. Rates: Beer = $16–$18 per barrel; Spirits = $13.50 per proof gallon annually (first 10,000 gallons at reduced rate).

Utah State Excise Tax on Alcohol

Utah State Tax Commission
May Apply
Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Breweries and distilleries must obtain a manufacturer license and file monthly excise tax returns (Form 9900101). Tax rates: Beer = $0.77 per gallon; Spirits = $3.77 per gallon (2024 rate).

Utah Franchise and Income Tax Registration

Utah State Tax Commission
Required
Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

All businesses operating as LLCs or corporations in Utah must file the franchise tax return (Form TC-20A). Based on net income or capital, minimum tax is $100. Due annually.

Local Business License or Privilege Tax

Varies by municipality
May Apply
Fee: $25.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Most cities in Utah (e.g., Salt Lake City, Ogden, St. George) require a local business license or privilege tax. Fees and requirements vary. For example, Salt Lake City charges $50/year for a basic license. Must be renewed annually.

Salt Lake City Business License

Salt Lake City Corporation
Required
Fee: $125.00-$125.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Required for all businesses operating within Salt Lake City limits. Brewery/distillery classified under "manufacturing" or "retail with alcohol.

Surety Bond – Alcoholic Beverage Control License Bond

Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC)
May Apply
Fee: $100.00-$200.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

A $1,000 surety bond is required for all alcoholic beverage licenses issued by the DABC. The bond ensures compliance with Utah’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. Issued through a licensed surety; valid for the life of the business unless canceled.

Commercial Property Insurance

Not mandated by Utah state law; recommended via industry standards and insurers
Required
Fee: $500.00-$1500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Not mandated by Utah law, but typically required by lenders or landlords. Covers damage to brewing/distilling equipment, inventory, and buildings. Highly recommended due to high-value assets and fire risks.

Professional Liability / Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Required
Fee: $500.00-$1500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Not legally required in Utah. May be relevant if offering consulting services (e.g., contract brewing advice), but not standard for production breweries/distilleries. General liability typically covers most operational risks.

Employer Identification Number (EIN) for LLC

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

All breweries/distilleries structured as LLCs must obtain an EIN from the IRS regardless of employee count if they produce alcohol subject to TTB regulation. Required for TTB permit application.

Federal Excise Tax Registration and Payment for Alcohol Producers

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
Required
Fee: $1000.00-$1000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: filing

Breweries and distilleries must register with TTB and pay federal excise taxes under 26 U.S.C. § 5001. Must file Form 720 (Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return) and Form 5000.24 (Notice of Registration).

Federal Basic Permit from TTB for Alcohol Production

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
Required
Fee: $1000.00-$1000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license

All breweries and distilleries must obtain a Federal Basic Permit (Form TTB F 5100.51) under 27 CFR Part 24 (beer) or Part 19 (distilled spirits). Includes fingerprinting, bond requirement ($1,000–$500,000 based on production), and detailed facility plans.

OSHA Workplace Safety Compliance

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
May Apply
Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Breweries/distilleries must comply with general industry standards (29 CFR 1910), including hazard communication, machine guarding, confined space entry (fermentation tanks), and respiratory protection. Required to display OSHA poster (Form 2204).

Salt Lake City Zoning Compliance (Certificate of Occupancy)

Salt Lake City Planning Division
May Apply
Fee: $200.00-$1000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Must comply with Industrial (I) or Commercial Mixed-Use zones; alcohol production often restricted to IG zone (SLCC Title 21A).

Salt Lake City Building Permit

Salt Lake City Corporation - Community & Neighborhoods
May Apply
Fee: $25.00-$25.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Requires plans review for industrial processes; effective fee schedule updated 2023.

Salt Lake City Sign Permit

Salt Lake City Corporation - Planning Division
May Apply
Fee: $100.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Comply with SLCC Chapter 21A.58 Sign Regulations.

Salt Lake County Health Department Plan Review and Permit (Food/Alcohol Service)

Salt Lake County Health Department
May Apply
Fee: $400.00-$400.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

Required for any public food/beverage handling; breweries with taprooms need this.

Salt Lake City Fire Department Inspection and Permit (Hazardous Materials)

Salt Lake City Fire Department
May Apply
Fee: $100.00-$500.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

Distilleries require Type 1 Hazmat permit for alcohol production.

Salt Lake City Certificate of Occupancy

Salt Lake City Building Services
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Separate from zoning CO; fire and building approval required.

Salt Lake City Fire Alarm System Permit

Salt Lake City Fire Department
May Apply
Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Required per adopted IFC Section 907.

Salt Lake City Special Event Permit (Tastings/Outdoor)

Salt Lake City Police Department
May Apply
Fee: $50.00-$200.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

May include parking/traffic review if >50 attendees.

Salt Lake County Noise Ordinance Compliance Permit

Salt Lake County Health Department
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Variance permit required for live music or loud processes.

Salt Lake City Parking Plan Review

Salt Lake City Transportation Division
May Apply
Fee: $250.00-$250.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Must provide 1 space/200 sq ft retail + loading for deliveries.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Utah Labor Commission - Division of Industrial Accident
May Apply
Fee: $1.50-$3.50
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Required for all employers with one or more employees in Utah, including part-time and minor employees. Sole proprietors and partners may elect out. Brewery/distillery operations are classified under NAICS 312120 (Breweries) or 312130 (Distilleries), which are considered moderate-risk by the commission.

General Liability Insurance

Not applicable (no state mandate)
Required
Fee: $500.00-$2000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Not legally required by Utah state law, but strongly recommended. Often contractually required by leases, distribution agreements, or event participation. May be required by local municipalities for occupancy permits.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Utah Department of Public Safety - Driver License Division
May Apply
Fee: $1200.00-$2500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Utah law requires all motor vehicles registered to a business to carry minimum liability coverage: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $65,000 per accident, $15,000 property damage (25-15-2-101). Applies to delivery trucks, tasting room shuttles, or any company vehicle.

Liquor Liability Insurance

Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Mandated by DABC for all licensees who serve alcohol directly to consumers. Required as part of the liquor license application. Coverage must include dram shop liability. Minimum recommended: $1 million per incident.

Product Liability Insurance

Not applicable
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Not legally required by Utah, but strongly recommended for breweries/distilleries that produce and sell consumable products. Covers claims related to contamination, labeling errors, or illness. Often required by distributors or retailers.

Utah Sales Tax License Renewal

Utah State Tax Commission
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Utah sales tax licenses do not require periodic renewal but remain active as long as the business files returns and remits taxes. However, the Tax Commission may deactivate inactive accounts. Brewery/distillery operations require sales tax license for retail sales.

Employer Withholding Tax Registration Renewal

Utah State Tax Commission
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: filing

Businesses with employees must register for employer withholding tax and file Form TC-720Q quarterly. No renewal required, but ongoing compliance with filing and payment is mandatory.

Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) Compliance

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: filing

EIN is a one-time assignment, but ongoing compliance includes filing Form 941 (quarterly), Form 940 (annually), and issuing W-2s. Applies only if the brewery/distillery has employees.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Recordkeeping

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Employers with 10 or more employees must maintain OSHA Form 300 (Injury and Illness Log) and post a summary (Form 300A) from February 1 to April 30 annually. Electronic submission may be required based on industry and size.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

Department of Justice (DOJ)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

ADA Title III applies to places of public accommodation. Breweries/distilleries with customer-facing operations must ensure accessibility in entrances, restrooms, counters, and seating. Applies regardless of number of employees.

EPA Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
May Apply
Fee: $1000.00-$5000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

SPCC rule (40 CFR Part 112) applies to facilities with potential to discharge oil into navigable waters. Common in breweries/distilleries using large boilers, generators, or fuel storage. Plan must be certified by professional engineer unless self-certifiable under 40 CFR 112.3(g).

EPA Underground Storage Tank (UST) Compliance

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
May Apply
Fee: $1500.00-$10000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Federal UST regulations (40 CFR Part 280) apply to tanks holding at least 110 gallons of regulated substance. Distilleries using ethanol storage or fuel tanks may be subject. Note: Utah may have stricter UST rules.

FTC Truth-in-Advertising and Labeling Compliance

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

FTC enforces against deceptive advertising under Section 5 of the FTC Act. Applies to all marketing, including websites, social media, and labels. Must substantiate claims (e.g., 'organic,' 'local,' 'low calorie'). Works in conjunction with TTB labeling rules.

TTB Label Approval (COLA) for Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license

All beer and spirits labels must be submitted via TTB Form 5100.31 (COLA application). Requires ingredient disclosure, health warnings, and compliance with TTB guidelines. Mandatory for interstate and intrastate sales.

I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / USCIS
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

All U.S. employers, including breweries/distilleries, must complete Form I-9 for each employee to verify identity and work authorization. Must retain for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later.

Utah Labor Law Postings

Utah Labor Commission
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Required posters include Utah Minimum Wage, OSHA Rights, Utah Antidiscrimination Notice, and Family Medical Leave. Must be displayed in a conspicuous location accessible to employees.

Federal Food Labeling Compliance (if selling malt beverages in containers)

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

All bottled or canned beer must have an approved Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) via TTB Form 5100.31. Labels must be submitted prior to distribution. Ongoing compliance required for any label changes.

Utah Fire Department Inspection

Local Fire Department (e.g., Salt Lake City Fire Department)
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Commercial properties, especially those with flammable materials (e.g., alcohol, propane), are subject to annual fire safety inspections. Frequency varies by municipality. Includes review of exits, fire extinguishers, and storage practices.

Health Department Inspection

Local Health Department (e.g., Salt Lake County Health Department)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

If the brewery/distillery operates a taproom with food service, it is subject to routine health inspections. Inspections ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and employee hygiene standards.

Building and Safety Inspection

Local Building Department (e.g., Salt Lake City Building Services)
Required
Fee: $0.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Initial inspections are required for occupancy. Ongoing inspections may occur if modifications are made to the structure, electrical, or plumbing systems. Not typically recurring unless changes occur.

Utah State Tax Commission – Excise Tax Filing (Beer)

Utah State Tax Commission
May Apply
Fee: $0.01-$0.01
Renewal: one time
Type: filing

Breweries must file Form BT-1 monthly to report and pay state beer excise tax. Applies only to beer production, not distilleries.

Federal Excise Tax Filing (Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau)

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: filing

All breweries and distilleries must file Federal Excise Tax returns (Form 5000.24) semi-monthly. Taxes are based on production volume. Distilleries pay higher rates than breweries.

Recordkeeping for Alcohol Production and Distribution

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Breweries and distilleries must maintain detailed records of production, packaging, distribution, and taxpaid withdrawals. Records must be available for TTB inspection at any time. Includes Brewer’s Report (Form 5130.9) and other logs.

Utah ABC On-Premises Retail License Posting

Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

The Utah ABC license must be posted in a conspicuous location on the premises, visible to customers. Applies to all licensed premises, including breweries and distilleries with on-site sales.

Federal Annual Brewer’s Report

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: filing

Breweries must file TTB Form 5130.9 (Annual Brewer’s Report) by January 31 each year, reporting prior year production, taxpaid withdrawals, and other data. Required even if no production occurred.

Utah Annual Business Privilege Tax

Utah State Tax Commission
Required
Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: filing

All businesses operating in Utah must file an annual Business Privilege Tax return (Form TC-20A). The tax is based on gross revenue from Utah sources. Due April 15 each year.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Compliance

Department of Labor (DOL)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Applies minimum wage ($7.25/hour federally), overtime (1.5x for hours over 40/week), recordkeeping, and child labor rules. Utah follows federal FLSA standards. Applies to all employees including taproom staff.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Compliance

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

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

FDA Food Facility Registration

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), all facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for consumption in the U.S. must register with FDA (Form FDA 3537). Beer is considered a food product. Registration must be renewed every 2 years during even-numbered years.

FDA Nutrition Labeling Compliance

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

FDA requires nutrition facts labeling on packaged foods. While TTB governs alcohol content, FDA requires nutrition labeling (calories, carbs, etc.) on bottled/canned beer sold in grocery or retail stores. Draft-only sales may be exempt.

Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Compliance

Department of Transportation (DOT)
May Apply
Fee: $100.00-$300.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

DOT 49 CFR Parts 100–185 require training, labeling, and documentation for shipping hazardous materials. Applies to distilleries shipping high-proof spirits or ethanol. Beer generally not regulated unless >24% ABV.

Annual Report Filing for LLC

Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code
Required
Fee: $18.00-$18.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

All Utah LLCs must file an annual report with the Division of Corporations. The report confirms business information such as principal address, registered agent, and management structure. Failure to file may lead to dissolution of the entity.

Utah Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) License Renewal

Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC)
Required
Fee: $350.00-$350.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license

All alcohol manufacturing and retail licenses issued by DABC must be renewed annually by December 31. This includes Brewery and Distillery On-Premises Retail licenses. Renewal is completed through the DABC online portal.

Federal Basic Permit Renewal (TTB)

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB)
Required
Fee: $1000.00-$1000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license

All breweries and distilleries must renew their Federal Basic Permit (Form TTB F 5100.24) each year by January 31. The renewal is submitted electronically via Permits Online. Fee is based on production volume.

Step-by-Step Compliance Guide

  1. Begin by registering for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS, as it’s required for all businesses operating in Provo.
  2. Register with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) for Federal Alcohol Excise Tax Registration, which is a foundational step for alcohol production.
  3. Secure a Federal Basic Permit from the TTB, currently costing $1000.00, to legally manufacture alcohol in Provo.
  4. Comply with FTC Truth in Advertising and Labeling regulations to ensure your product marketing is accurate and lawful.
  5. Establish a system for Recordkeeping for TTB Compliance, as detailed records are crucial for audits and reporting.
  6. File Federal Excise Tax Filing with the TTB, with fees ranging from $16.00 to $18.00, to report and pay taxes on your alcohol production.
  7. Ensure timely Federal Excise Tax Payments and Reporting to the TTB, as the fee varies based on production volume.
  8. Renew your Federal Basic Permit annually with the TTB, incurring a renewal fee of $100.00, to maintain your legal right to operate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting to obtain an EIN from the IRS will delay many other permit applications.
  • Assuming the $0.00 fee for initial TTB registration means there are no ongoing compliance costs.
  • Ignoring FTC advertising regulations can lead to significant fines and legal issues.
  • Failing to maintain accurate records for TTB audits can result in penalties and operational shutdowns.
  • Overlooking the annual renewal fee for the Federal Basic Permit can lead to permit lapse and production halts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TTB Basic Permit and why do I need it?

The TTB Basic Permit (Brewer’s Notice or DSP Permit) is essential for legally producing alcohol; it allows you to manufacture, store, and sell alcoholic beverages in Provo, UT. The initial fee is $1000.00, and it requires annual renewal.

How often do I need to renew permits with the TTB?

The Federal Basic Permit requires annual renewal, with a current renewal fee of $100.00. Other TTB requirements, like excise tax filings, have varying renewal schedules depending on the specific permit and your production volume.

What are the potential consequences of non-compliance with TTB regulations?

Non-compliance can lead to significant penalties, including fines, suspension or revocation of your permit, and even criminal prosecution. Maintaining accurate records and timely filings is critical.

Does the FTC have specific requirements for alcohol labeling?

Yes, the FTC requires truthful and accurate labeling of alcohol products, including alcohol content, ingredients, and health warnings. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal action and financial penalties.

What is the cost of Professional Liability/Errors & Omissions Insurance?

The cost of this insurance can vary, but typically ranges from $500.00 to $2000.00. It protects your business from claims of negligence or errors in your operations, which is a requirement of the IRS.

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