Is a liquor license always needed to operate a Black Bear Diner restaurant?
Black_Bear_Diner Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
To operate the Black Bear Diner restaurant, you may also need to obtain a liquor license. State and local laws, regulations and ordinances vary significantly in the procedures, difficulty and cost associated with obtaining a license to sell liquor, the restrictions placed on the manner in which liquor may be sold, and the potential liability imposed by dram shop laws involving injuries, directly and indirectly, related to the sale of liquor, and its consumption. You will need to understand and comply with those laws in operating the Black Bear Diner restaurant.
Source: Item 1 — THE FRANCHISOR, AND ANY PARENTS, PREDECESSORS AND AFFILIATES (FDD pages 8–11)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Black Bear Diner Franchise Disclosure Document, a liquor license is not always required to operate a Black Bear Diner restaurant. The FDD states that to operate a Black Bear Diner restaurant, a franchisee "may also need to obtain a liquor license." This indicates that whether a liquor license is needed depends on specific circumstances, likely related to whether the franchisee intends to sell alcoholic beverages at the restaurant.
The document emphasizes that state and local laws concerning liquor licenses vary significantly. These variations include the procedures for obtaining a license, the difficulty and cost associated with obtaining one, restrictions on how liquor may be sold, and potential liability imposed by dram shop laws. Dram shop laws involve liabilities related to the sale of liquor and its consumption, meaning a Black Bear Diner franchisee could be held responsible for damages or injuries caused by intoxicated patrons who were served alcohol at their establishment.
Therefore, a prospective Black Bear Diner franchisee needs to investigate the specific regulations in their area to determine if a liquor license is necessary for their restaurant. They must also understand and comply with all applicable laws related to the sale of alcohol if they choose to obtain a liquor license. This includes understanding the potential liabilities associated with serving alcohol to customers.