New alcohol permits offer cheaper option in Bloomington
Downtown Bloomington businesses can apply for new three-way alcohol permits that cost $25,000 and allow restaurants to serve beer, wine and liquor. Applications are open through Nov. 30, according to a community announcement. The new permits are intended to give locally owned restaurants a less expensive option than traditional alcohol permits, which have reached $250,000 under Indiana's quota system, according to the announcement. Businesses can apply at bton.in/civic . Ordinance 2026-18, approved by the Bloomington City Council, made additional permits available through two eligible state programs: the Downtown Redevelopment District and Courthouse Square Historic District. Unlike traditional permits, the new district permits cannot be sold or transferred. A permit must be returned to the state when it is no longer being used. The $25,000 fee is set by the state. How Bloomington's alcohol permit process will work The application period runs from Nov. 6 through Nov. 30. City staff will first review applications for eligibility before a committee reviews them. Staff will then make recommendations to the Common Council, which will review applications and recommend permits to the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission. Applicants who receive a Common Council recommendation must complete a second application process directly with the state
