Liquor License FAQ’s

Yes, within the boundaries of the defined Municipal Riverfront Development District.

A district where 3-way licenses are made available to eligible establishments for $1,000 as a way to spur development near a river.

A piece of state legislation made it available and the Common Council approved the District and with the goal of spurring development in the District.

You can obtain a copy of the district map from the Clerk Treasurer’s Office, Main Street Aurora, or from the City Manager. The map may also be found on the City’s website at www.aurora.in.us – go to Government > City Ordinances, Zoning Map, & Permits.

You can obtain a copy of the local ordinance from the Clerk Treasurer’s Office, Main Street Aurora, or from the City Manager. The local ordinance may also be found on the City’s website at www.aurora.in.us – go to Government > City Ordinances, Zoning Map, & Permits.

Your space can be up to 3 blocks or 1,500 feet from the river, as long as it is located within the defined Municipal Riverfront Development District boundaries.

Yes. The same state restrictions apply within the District as outside the District. For instance, if your desired location falls within 200 feet of a church or a school, you will need to go through the variance process to see if you might be granted an exception.

1. The District was developed as tool to encourage the development in such a way that builds critical mass in a defined area.

2. The District had to meet certain criteria as defined by Indiana State Code such as be within 1,500 feet or three blocks from the river and fall within a redevelopment area.

Dining, entertainment, and cultural establishments.

No. The idea behind the District is to further cement downtown as a destination for dining, culture, and entertainment by encouraging rather than limiting these types of establishments. There are, however, requirements above and beyond those set by the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) that any business applying for a riverfront license must meet. Thus the limitations are not about numbers but type.

Review the eligibility requirements. You may also schedule a meeting with the City Manager to review the requirements and application process.

The license is issued by the State of Indiana through the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.

The current fee is $1,000 payable to the State of Indiana.

A purpose of the District is to free up funds for marketing that would otherwise be spent on acquisition of the license itself. Joining the Aurora Main Street association as a business member provides a way helpful way to participate in co-op marketing efforts, events, and promotions with the best of the downtown businesses.

As of January 2018, the business membership dues are as low as $60.00 annually.

1. Check to see that your location is within the District and that you meet the local requirements.

2. Fill out the Indiana ATC Application for New or Transfer Permit and submit in duplicate with payment to the Indiana ATC.

3. Fill out the local application form and submit to Main Street Aurora along with requested attachments (including a copy of your Indiana ATC application).

4. Meet with the local Riverfront License Review Committee (scheduled for you by the Review Committee).

5. If your application is approved, a copy of the Mayor’s approval letter will be sent to the Indiana ATC, which will be required for the issuance of your license.

6. Appear before the local alcoholic beverage board for their recommendation.

7. Submit to a final inspection of the premises by the State Excise Police.

Typically, no longer than 30 days from submission of a completed application.

Typically, 90-120 days from submission of a completed application to the Indiana ATC.

No. You may submit your completed application to the Indiana ATC along with the required attachments and a note indicating that the letter from the Mayor is to follow. If you are approved at the local level, we will send the letter directly to the Indiana ATC for you.

Yes.

The Indiana ATC website at http://www.in.gov/atc/2409.htm

At the bottom of page 3 of the ATC Application for New or Transfer Permit check “Yes” in the section titled “AIRPORT, REDEVELOPMENT, RIVERFRONT, RAILWAY STATION, CULTURAL CENTER” and then fill in the word “Riverfront” in the blank.

Yes. You will need to send:

1. a copy of the local ordinance

2. an aerial map showing the entire boundaries of the District with the location of your establishment clearly marked

3. a letter from the Mayor in support of their application*

* This letter is obtained through the local Riverfront Application Review process and will be provided if your local application is approved.

No. This program is only for new licenses.

Yes.

No, unlike a regular 221-3 license, the riverfront license cannot be sold or transferred.