Do You Need a Liquor License for a Private Event in DC, Maryland, or Virginia?
If you’ve ever wondered whether a liquor license is required for a private event, wedding, corporate gathering, or celebration, in DC, Maryland, or Virginia (the area we often plan events for), the answer depends a lot on a few details: where your event is, how alcohol is being provided or served, and whether you or a bar/caterer is “selling/serving” alcohol or just letting guests drink from bottles you supply.
Because I plan events professionally, I always walk clients through licensing early to avoid last-minute surprises. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know by region, and what questions to ask before booking.
When You Need a Liquor License and When You Don’t
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA) Rules in DC
If you plan to sell or serve alcohol at a private event (for example an open bar, cash bar, or hiring bartenders), you trigger the need for a liquor license under DC law. ABCA+1
Licensing is required especially when money changes hands in exchange for alcohol, or when alcohol service is provided professionally (bartenders, catering, etc.). ABCA+1
Even for “private events,” if alcohol is being served or sold rather than just provided by guests themselves, you need licensing compliance under ABRA rules. ABCA+1
Bottom line for DC: If you’re doing a private event with a mobile bar, bartenders, or alcohol service, treat it like a licensed function.
Maryland Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC)/Statewide Catering Rules in Maryland
In Maryland, if you plan to have alcohol furnished and served at an event by anyone other than guests themselves, you generally need a catering or event license, often called a “Statewide Caterer (SCAT) License.” ATCC+1
That means if you hire a mobile bar or bartending service to supply and serve drinks, licensing is required. ATCC+1
Without a license, hosting an event with served alcohol could create legal risk. Toast POS+1
Bottom line for Maryland: If your event includes served alcohol (not just BYOB from guests), you need the proper catering license through ATC.
Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (VA ABC) & Virginia Rules
In Virginia, rules depend heavily on location and whether alcohol is sold or provided. For a private event on private property where alcohol is brought by guests or the host (not sold), a separate license may not be required. Virginia Weddings Magazine+2Fairfax County+2
However, if you’re renting a venue (not a private home) or hiring a caterer/bar service, especially where alcohol is served, distributed, or sold, you may need a “banquet license” or a “special event license.” Virginia ABC+2Loudoun County+2
If alcohol is being served, not just consumed by guests themselves, even at a private event, then licensing under VA ABC laws typically applies. Fairfax County+2Whiteford Law+2
Bottom line for Virginia: Serving alcohol at a venue outside a private home or using a catering/bar service likely triggers the need for a permit or license.
Why It Matters, What Licensing Covers (and Why You Should Care)
Because you run a business offering mobile bar and event planning services, it’s doubly important to do this right. Licensing ensures:
You are legally allowed to serve alcohol at the event venue (especially if it’s not a private home).
Responsible service and compliance with local laws (age checks, liability, safety).
Protection for you, your clients, and your bar staff from legal/regulatory issues.
Peace of mind, no last minute “oops we can’t serve” surprises.
If you skip licensing when it’s required, you risk fines, disruption, and even event shutdown.
What I Ask (As Your Event Planner) Before Booking a Bar for Your Event
Whenever I begin planning an event with alcohol service, I always ask:
Is the event on private property (house, private yard) or a rented venue?
Will you or guests supply the alcohol, or will the bar/caterer supply and serve it?
Will alcohol be sold or charged for (cash bar, ticketed drinks, etc.) or provided free to guests?
Are you hiring bartenders or a mobile bar service, or is it self-serve / BYOB?
Does the venue or caterer already have the required permit or license?
Do we need a “banquet license,” “caterer’s license,” or “event liquor permit” based on location (DC, MD, VA)?
What paperwork is needed and who files it (you, the caterer, or the venue)?
Are there requirements for insurance and liability coverage alongside the license?
As your planner, I handle all of this so you can focus on the fun parts (cocktails, guest list, decor).
Final Thoughts
The short answer? Sometimes yes, you need a liquor license. And sometimes no, depending on location, alcohol sourcing, and how drinks are provided.
Because laws vary so much between DC, Maryland, and Virginia, and because each venue or vendor can change what’s required, it is always safest to check.
