Arlington Liquor License Cost
Local permits, city fees, and what to expect beyond the Virginia state license
Licensing costs in Arlington
Virginia ABC handles all state licensing. Arlington County requires a county business license ($50-$100/year) and business tax registration. Arlington is an urban county (no independent city structure) with dense commercial development along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, Pentagon City, and Columbia Pike. The county has one of the highest concentrations of restaurants per capita in Northern Virginia.
Licensing timeline in Arlington
Virginia ABC standard processing: 60-90 days. Arlington's county business license adds minimal time (1-2 weeks for registration). Many Northern Virginia applicants find Arlington slightly faster than the state average due to the high volume of commercial establishments creating an established processing pipeline at the local ABC office.
What buyers often miss in Arlington
Virginia is not a quota state. Arlington's strong restaurant market (driven by DC proximity and Pentagon commuter traffic) means established locations sell at premium prices for goodwill, but the liquor license itself carries no independent secondary market value.
Zoning considerations for Arlington
Arlington Zoning Ordinance Section 12.2 governs alcohol use. Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor (C-R zones) and Pentagon City (C-O Rosslyn) permit on-premise licenses by right. Columbia Pike corridor has form-based code with permissive commercial use rules. Standard Virginia setback rules apply: 500 feet from schools, but ABC has administrative waiver process.
FAQ — Arlington Liquor Licensing
How long does it take to get a liquor license in Arlington?
Expect 70 days in Arlington — 5 days faster than the state average. Virginia ABC standard processing: 60-90 days. Arlington's county business license adds minimal time (1-2 weeks for registration). Many Northern Virginia applicants find Arlington slightly faster than the state average due to the high volume of commercial establishments creating an established processing pipeline at the local ABC office.
Does Arlington require a separate city liquor license?
Yes. Arlington requires a Arlington County Business License in addition to the Virginia state license. Virginia ABC handles all state licensing. Arlington County requires a county business license ($50-$100/year) and business tax registration. Arlington is an urban county (no independent city structure) with dense commercial development along the Rosslyn-Ballston corridor, Pentagon City, and Columbia Pike. The county has one of the highest concentrations of restaurants per capita in Northern Virginia.
What zoning do I need for a bar or restaurant in Arlington?
Arlington Zoning Ordinance Section 12.2 governs alcohol use. Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor (C-R zones) and Pentagon City (C-O Rosslyn) permit on-premise licenses by right. Columbia Pike corridor has form-based code with permissive commercial use rules. Standard Virginia setback rules apply: 500 feet from schools, but ABC has administrative waiver process.
Local licensing resources for Arlington
Virginia State License — Full Details
City requirements are only part of the picture. See all license types, fees, and state-level requirements for Virginia.
Virginia liquor license guide →