2023 Hawaii Revised Statutes › Title 16. Intoxicating Liquor › 281. Intoxicating Liquor › 281-31 Licenses, classes.

§281-31 Licenses, classes.
(a) Licenses may be granted by the liquor commission as provided in this section.
(b) Class 1. Manufacturer license. A license for the manufacture of liquor shall authorize the licensee to:
(1) Manufacture the liquor therein specified;
(2) Sell it in original packages to any wholesaler who holds a license to resell it; and
(3) Sell beer, wine, or other specified liquor manufactured or distilled on the licensee's premises from fruits or other products grown in the State, in any quantity:
(A) At wholesale in original packages to any person who holds a license to resell it; and
(B) To any person for private use and consumption.
Under this license, no liquor shall be consumed on the premises, except as authorized by the commission. Of this class, there shall be the following kinds:
(1) Beer;
(2) Wine;
(3) Alcohol; and
(4) Other specified liquor.
It shall be unlawful for any holder of a manufacturer license to have any interest whatsoever in the license or licensed premises of any other licensee. This subsection shall not prevent the holder of a manufacturer license under this chapter or under the law of another jurisdiction from maintaining any interest in the license or licensed premises of a wholesale dealer licensee under this chapter.
(c) Class 2. Restaurant license.
(1) A license under this class shall authorize the licensee to sell liquor specified in this subsection for consumption on the premises; provided that a restaurant licensee, with commission approval, may provide off-premises catering of food and liquor; provided further that the catering activity shall be directly related to the licensee's operation as a restaurant. A license under this class shall also authorize the licensee to sell beer, malt beverages, or cider for off-premises consumption; provided that the licensee has the appropriate kind of license pursuant to paragraph (3); provided further that the beer, malt beverage, or cider is sold in a securely sealed or covered glass, ceramic, or metal container that is sold to or provided by the patron, and each sealed or covered glass, ceramic, or metal container does not exceed a maximum capacity of one-half gallon. A licensee under this class shall be issued a license according to the category of establishment the licensee owns or operates. The categories of establishment shall be as follows:
(A) A standard bar; or
(B) Premises in which live entertainment or recorded music is provided. Facilities for dancing by the patrons may be permitted as provided by commission rules.
(2) If a licensee under class 2 desires to change the category of establishment the licensee owns or operates, the licensee shall apply for a new license applicable to the category of the licensee's establishment.
(3) Of this class, there shall be the following kinds:
(A) General (includes all liquor except alcohol);
(B) Beer and wine; and
(C) Beer.
(4) A new class 2 license may be issued prior to an establishment commencing operation. An application for a new class 2 license shall include a certification by the applicant that the applicant intends to and shall derive no less than thirty per cent of the establishment's gross revenue from the sale of foods.
Notwithstanding section 281-57, the commission may approve at one public hearing and without notice the change to a class 2 restaurant license of a licensee holding a class 5 dispenser license who meets the requirements of a class 2 license.
(d) Class 3. Wholesale dealer license. A license for the sale of liquor at wholesale shall authorize the licensee to import and sell only to licensees or to others who are by law authorized to resell the liquor specified by the license but are not by law required to hold a license; provided that a class 3 licensee may sell samples of liquor back to the manufacturer. Under a class 3 license, no liquor shall be consumed on the premises except as authorized by the commission. Of this class, there shall be the following kinds:
(1) General (includes all liquor except alcohol);
(2) Beer and wine; and
(3) Alcohol.
If any wholesale dealer solicits or takes any orders in any county other than that where the dealer's place of business is located, the orders may be filled only by shipment direct from the county in which the wholesale dealer holds the dealer license. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent a wholesaler from selling liquor to post exchanges, ships' service stores, army or navy officers' clubs, or similar organizations located on army or navy reservations, or to any vessel other than vessels performing a regular water transportation service between any two or more ports in the State, or to aviation companies who operate an aerial transportation enterprise subject to chapter 269 and engaged in regular flight passenger services between any two or more airports in the State for use on aircraft, or aviation companies engaged in transpacific flight operations for use on aircraft outside the jurisdiction of the State.
(e) Class 4. Retail dealer license. A license to sell liquor at retail or to class 10 licensees shall authorize the licensee to sell the liquor therein specified in their original packages. A license under this class shall also authorize the licensee to sell beer, malt beverages, or cider in non-original packages; provided that the beer, malt beverage, or cider is sold in a securely sealed or covered glass, ceramic, or metal container that is sold to or provided by the patron, and each sealed or covered glass, ceramic, or metal container does not exceed a maximum capacity of one half-gallon. Under a class 4 license, no liquor shall be consumed on the premises except as authorized by the commission. Of this class, there shall be the following kinds:
(1) General (includes all liquor except alcohol);
(2) Beer and wine; and
(3) Alcohol.
(f) Class 5. Dispenser license.
(1) A license under this class shall authorize the licensee to sell liquor specified in this subsection for consumption on the premises. A licensee under this class shall be issued a license according to the category of establishment the licensee owns or operates. The categories of establishments shall be as follows:
(A) A standard bar;
(B) Premises in which a person performs or entertains unclothed or in attire restricted to use by entertainers pursuant to commission rules;
(C) Premises in which live entertainment or recorded music is provided; provided that facilities for dancing by the patrons may be permitted as provided by commission rules; or
(D) Premises in which employees or entertainers are compensated to sit with patrons, regardless of whether the employees or entertainers are consuming nonalcoholic beverages while in the company of the patrons pursuant to commission rules.
(2) If a licensee under class 5 desires to change the category of establishment the licensee owns or operates, the licensee shall apply for a new license applicable to the category of the licensee's establishment.
(3) Of this class, there shall be the following kinds:
(A) General (includes all liquor except alcohol);
(B) Beer and wine; and
(C) Beer.
(g) Class 6. Club license. A club license shall be general only but shall exclude alcohol and shall authorize the licensee to sell liquor to members of the club and to guests of the club enjoying the privileges of membership for consumption only on the premises kept and operated by the club; provided that the license shall also authorize any club member to keep in the member's private locker on the premises a reasonable quantity of liquor owned by the member for the member's own personal use and not to be sold that may be consumed only on the premises. A club licensee shall be authorized to host charitable functions that are open to the general public only pursuant to commission rules.
The categories of establishment shall be as follows:
(1) A standard bar; or
(2) Premises in which live entertainment or recorded music is provided. Facilities for dancing by the patrons may be permitted as provided by commission rules.
(h) Class 8. Transient vessel license. A general license may be granted to the owner of any vessel for the sale of liquor other than alcohol on board the vessel while en route within the jurisdictional limits of the State and within any port of the State. Sales shall be made only for consumption by passengers and their guests on board the vessel. The license shall be issuable in each county where the sales are to be made; provided that the application for the license may be made by any agent representing the owner.
(i) Class 9. Tour or cruise vessel license. A general license may be granted to the owner of any tour or cruise vessel for the sale of liquor other than alcohol on board the vessel while in the waters of the State; provided that sales be made only for consumption by passengers on board while the vessel is in operation outside the port or dock of any island of the State, unless otherwise approved by the county where the license has been issued. The license shall be issuable in the county where the home port of the vessel is situated. If, on any vessel for which no license has been obtained under this chapter, any liquor is sold or served within three miles of the shore of any island of the State, it shall constitute a violation of this chapter.
The categories of establishment shall be as follows:
(1) A standard bar; or
(2) Premises in which live entertainment or recorded music is provided. Facilities for dancing by the patrons may be permitted as provided by commission rules.
(j) Class 10. Special license.
(1) A special license may be granted for the sale of liquor for a period not to exceed three days and pursuant to commission rule may be approved by the administrator for fundraising events by nonprofit organizations, political candidates, and political parties; provided that any registered educational or charitable nonprofit organization may sell liquors in their original packages for off-premises consumption; provided further that any social club granted tax-exempt status pursuant to section 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, may sell wine from the social club's inventory to the club's members for off-premises consumption. Of this class, there shall be the following kinds:
(A) General (includes all liquor except alcohol);
(B) Beer and wine; and
(C) Beer.
Liquor sold under a class 10 license shall be consumed on the premises.
(2) Notwithstanding any other section of this chapter to the contrary, the commission shall waive any hearings, fees, notarization of documents, submission of floor plans and other governmental clearances, and other requirements for the issuance of a class 10 license. The class 10 license granted under this subsection for a fundraising event shall include the ability to auction off, at a live or silent auction, liquor in sealed or covered glass, ceramic, or metal containers or services that provide liquor. No criminal history record check under section 281-53.5 or 846-2.7 or any other section of this chapter shall be required. The commission may require proof of liquor liability insurance for the fundraising event and a current list of officers and directors if the applicant is a nonprofit organization.
(k) Class 11. Cabaret license. A cabaret license shall be general only but shall exclude alcohol and shall authorize the sale of liquor for consumption on the premises. A cabaret license shall be issued only for premises where food is served, facilities for dancing by the patrons including a dance floor are provided, and live or amplified recorded music or professional entertainment, except professional entertainment by a person who performs or entertains unclothed, is provided for the patrons; provided that professional entertainment by persons who perform or entertain unclothed shall be authorized by:
(1) A cabaret license for premises where professional entertainment by persons who perform or entertain unclothed was presented on a regular and consistent basis immediately prior to June 15, 1990; or
(2) A cabaret license that, pursuant to rules adopted by the liquor commission, permits professional entertainment by persons who perform or entertain unclothed.
A cabaret license under paragraph (1) or (2) authorizing professional entertainment by persons who perform or entertain unclothed shall be transferable through June 30, 2000. A cabaret license under paragraph (1) or (2) authorizing professional entertainment by persons who perform or entertain unclothed shall not be transferable after June 30, 2000, except upon approval by the liquor commission and pursuant to rules adopted by the commission. Notwithstanding any rule of the liquor commission to the contrary, cabarets in resort areas may be opened for the transaction of business until 4 a.m. throughout the entire week. A cabaret license shall not be issued for any premises located within an apartment mixed use subprecinct within a special improvement or special district in which the economy is primarily based on tourism.
(l) Class 12. Hotel license. A license to sell liquor in a hotel shall authorize the licensee to provide entertainment and dancing on the hotel premises and to sell all liquor except alcohol for consumption on the premises; provided that a hotel licensee, with commission approval, may provide off-premises catering of food and liquor if the catering activity is directly related to the licensee's food service.
Procedures such as room service, self-service no-host minibars or similar service in guest rooms, and service at parties in areas that are the property of and contiguous to the hotel are permitted with commission approval.
Any licensee who would otherwise fall within the hotel license class but holds a different class of license may be required to apply for a hotel license.
If the licensee applies for a change of classification prior to July 30, 1992, the licensee shall not be subject to the requirements of sections 281-52, 281-54, and 281-57 through 281-59.
Any licensee holding a class 12 license on May 1, 2007 who would otherwise qualify for a class 15 license may apply to the liquor commission of the county in which the licensee is seeking a change in liquor license for a change to a class 15 license; provided that the licensee shall not be subject to the requirements of section 281-54 and sections 281-57 to 281-60.
If a licensee holding a class 12 license on May 1, 2007 applies for a change to a class 15 license, the respective liquor commission shall hold a public hearing upon notice. On the day of hearing or any adjournment thereof, the liquor commission shall consider the application, accept all written or oral testimony for or against the application, and render its decision granting or refusing the application. If the application is denied, the class 12 license shall continue in effect in accordance with law.
(m) Class 13. Caterer license. A general license may be granted to any applicant who serves food as part of their operation for the sale of liquor other than alcohol while performing food catering functions off the premises.
No catering service for the sale of liquor shall be performed off the licensee's premises unless prior written notice of the service has been delivered to the office of the liquor commission of the county concerned. The notice shall state the date, time, and location of the proposed event and shall include a written statement signed by the owner or representative of the property that the function will be subject to the liquor laws and to inspection by investigators.
(n) Class 14. Brewpub license. A brewpub licensee:
(1) May sell malt beverages manufactured on the licensee's premises for consumption on the premises;
(2) May sell malt beverages manufactured by the licensee in brewery-sealed packages to class 3 wholesale dealer licensees pursuant to conditions imposed by the county by ordinance or rule;
(3) May sell intoxicating liquor purchased from a class 3 wholesale dealer licensee to consumers for consumption on the licensee's premises. The categories of establishments shall be as follows:
(A) A standard bar; or
(B) Premises in which live entertainment or recorded music is provided. Facilities for dancing by the patrons may be permitted as provided by commission rules;
(4) May, subject to federal labeling and bottling requirements, sell malt beverages manufactured on the licensee's premises to consumers in brewery-sealed kegs and recyclable or reusable containers and sell malt beverages manufactured on the licensee's premises or purchased from a class 1 manufacturer licensee, a class 3 wholesale dealer licensee, a class 14 brewpub licensee, or a class 18 small craft producer pub licensee to consumers in growlers for off-premises consumption; provided that for purposes of this paragraph, "growler" means a recyclable or reusable container that does not exceed one gallon and is securely sealed on the licensee's premises;
(5) Shall comply with all requirements pertaining to class 4 retail dealer licensees when engaging in the retail sale of malt beverages;
(6) May, subject to federal labeling and bottling requirements, sell malt beverages manufactured on the licensee's premises in brewery-sealed containers directly to class 2 restaurant licensees, class 3 wholesale dealer licensees, class 4 retail dealer licensees, class 5 dispenser licensees, class 6 club licensees, class 8 transient vessel licensees, class 9 tour or cruise vessel licensees, class 10 special licensees, class 11 cabaret licensees, class 12 hotel licensees, class 13 caterer licensees, class 14 brewpub licensees, class 15 condominium hotel licensees, class 18 small craft producer pub licensees, and consumers pursuant to conditions imposed by county ordinances or rules governing class 1 manufacturer licensees and class 3 wholesale dealer licensees;
(7) May conduct the activities under paragraphs (1) to (6) at locations other than the licensee's primary manufacturing premises; provided that:
(A) The manufacturing takes place in Hawaii;
(B) Each of the other locations:
(i) Operates within the State under the same trade name for the premises; and
(ii) Is properly licensed within the county of its operation as a class 1 manufacturer licensee, class 2 restaurant licensee, class 4 retail dealer licensee, class 5 dispenser licensee, class 12 hotel licensee, class 14 brewpub licensee, or class 18 small craft producer pub licensee;
(C) The county liquor commission of the county in which the licensee satellite is located shall have jurisdiction of the satellite; and
(D) All requirements of the license class of the location shall be in effect as required by the county liquor commission for the satellite licensed premises; and
(8) May allow minors, who are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian of legal drinking age, on the licensee's premises.
(o) Class 15. Condominium hotel license. A license to sell liquor in a condominium hotel shall authorize the licensee to provide entertainment and dancing on the condominium hotel premises and to sell all liquor except alcohol for consumption on the premises; provided that a condominium hotel licensee, with commission approval, may provide off-premises catering; provided further that the catering activity is directly related to the licensee's operation as a condominium hotel.
Procedures such as room service, self-service no-host minibars or similar service in apartments, and service at private parties in areas that are the property of and contiguous to the condominium hotel are permitted with commission approval.
A condominium hotel licensee shall not sell liquor in the manner authorized by a class 4 retail dealer license.
Any licensee who would otherwise meet the criteria for the condominium hotel license class but holds a different class of license may be required to apply for a condominium hotel license.
(p) Class 16. Winery license. A winery licensee:
(1) Shall manufacture not more than twenty thousand barrels of wine on the licensee's premises during the license year;
(2) May sell wine manufactured on the licensee's premises for consumption on the premises;
(3) May sell wine manufactured by the licensee in winery-sealed packages to class 3 wholesale dealer licensees pursuant to conditions imposed by the county by ordinance or rule;
(4) May, subject to federal labeling and bottling requirements, sell wine manufactured on the licensee's premises in winery-sealed kegs and magnums to consumers for off-premises consumption; provided that for purposes of this paragraph, "magnum" means a glass container not to exceed one half-gallon, which may be securely sealed;
(5) May, subject to federal labeling and bottling requirements, sell wine manufactured on the licensee's premises in recyclable containers provided by the licensee or by the consumer which do not exceed one gallon per container and are securely sealed on the licensee's premises to consumers for off-premises consumption;
(6) Shall comply with all rules pertaining to class 4 retail dealer licensees when engaging in the retail sale of wine; and
(7) May sell wine manufactured on the licensee's premises in winery-sealed containers directly to class 2 restaurant licensees, class 3 wholesale dealer licensees, class 4 retail dealer licensees, class 5 dispenser licensees, class 6 club licensees, class 8 transient vessel licensees, class 9 tour or cruise vessel licensees, class 10 special licensees, class 11 cabaret licensees, class 12 hotel licensees, class 13 caterer licensees, class 14 brewpub licensees, class 15 condominium hotel licensees, and class 18 small craft producer pub licensees pursuant to conditions imposed by county planning and public works departments and rules governing class 3 wholesale dealer licensees.
(q) Class 17. Bring-your-own-beverage license. In counties having a population in excess of 500,000, there is established a class 17 license; provided that in a county having a population of 500,000 or less, the respective commission may establish a class 17 license to which this subsection shall apply.
(1) A general license of this class shall authorize the licensee to permit patrons to bring their own liquors for consumption on the premises between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. the following day. A licensee under this class shall be issued a license according to the category of establishment the licensee owns or operates. The categories of establishments shall be as follows:
(A) Premises in which recorded music and live entertainment, including karaoke, are provided; or
(B) Premises in which recorded music and live entertainment, including karaoke and dancing, are provided.
(2) If a licensee under this class desires to change the category of establishment the licensee owns or operates, the licensee shall apply for a new license applicable to the category of the licensee's establishment.
(3) A licensee under this class shall not be subject to liquor commission rules relating to percentage fees.
(r) Class 18. Small craft producer pub license. A small craft producer pub licensee:
(1) Shall manufacture not more than:
(A) Seventy thousand barrels of malt beverages;
(B) Twenty thousand barrels of wine; or
(C) Seven thousand five hundred barrels of alcohol on the licensee's premises during the license year;
provided that for purposes of this paragraph, "barrel" means a container not exceeding thirty-one gallons or wine gallons of liquor;
(2) May sell malt beverages, wine, or alcohol manufactured on the licensee's premises for consumption on the premises;
(3) May sell malt beverages, wine, or alcohol manufactured by the licensee in producer-sealed packages to class 3 wholesale dealer licensees pursuant to conditions imposed by the county by ordinance or rule;
(4) May sell intoxicating liquor purchased from a class 3 wholesale dealer licensee to consumers for consumption on the licensee's premises. The categories of establishments shall be as follows:
(A) A standard bar; or
(B) Premises in which live entertainment or recorded music is provided. Facilities for dancing by the patrons may be permitted as provided by commission rules;
(5) May, subject to federal labeling and bottling requirements, sell malt beverages manufactured on the licensee's premises to consumers in producer-sealed kegs and recyclable or reusable containers and sell malt beverages manufactured on the licensee's premises or purchased from a class 1 manufacturer licensee, a class 3 wholesale dealer licensee, a class 14 brewpub licensee, or a class 18 small craft producer pub licensee to consumers in growlers for off-premises consumption; provided that for purposes of this paragraph, "growler" means a recyclable or reusable container that does not exceed one gallon, which shall be securely sealed;
(6) May, subject to federal labeling and bottling requirements, sell wine or alcohol manufactured on the licensee's premises in recyclable containers provided by the licensee or by the consumer which do not exceed:
(A) One gallon per container for wine; and
(B) One liter for alcohol; and
are securely sealed on the licensee's premises to consumers for off-premises consumption;
(7) Shall comply with all requirements pertaining to class 4 retail dealer licensees when engaging in the retail sale of malt beverages, wine, and alcohol;
(8) May, subject to federal labeling and bottling requirements, sell malt beverages, wine, and alcohol manufactured on the licensee's premises in producer-sealed containers directly to class 2 restaurant licensees, class 3 wholesale dealer licensees, class 4 retail dealer licensees, class 5 dispenser licensees, class 6 club licensees, class 8 transient vessel licensees, class 9 tour or cruise vessel licensees, class 10 special licensees, class 11 cabaret licensees, class 12 hotel licensees, class 13 caterer licensees, class 14 brewpub licensees, class 15 condominium hotel licensees, class 18 small craft producer pub licensees, and consumers pursuant to conditions imposed by county ordinances or rules governing class 1 manufacturer licensees and class 3 wholesale dealer licensees;
(9) May conduct the activities under paragraphs (1) to (8) at locations other than the licensee's premises; provided that:
(A) The manufacturing takes place in Hawaii;
(B) Each of the other locations:
(i) Operates within the State under the same trade name for the premises; and
(ii) Is properly licensed within the county of its operation as a class 1 manufacturer licensee, class 2 restaurant licensee, class 4 retail dealer licensee, class 5 dispenser licensee, class 12 hotel licensee, class 14 brewpub licensee, or class 18 small craft producer pub licensee;
(C) The county liquor commission of the county in which the licensee satellite is located shall have jurisdiction of the satellite; and
(D) All requirements of the license class of the location shall be in effect as required by the county liquor commission for the satellite licensed premises; and
(10) May allow minors, who are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian of legal drinking age, on the licensee's premises.
(s) Restaurants, retail dealers, dispensers, clubs, cabarets, hotels, caterers, brewpubs, condominium hotels, bring-your-own-beverage establishments, and small craft producer pubs licensed under class 2, class 4, class 5, class 6, class 11, class 12, class 13, class 14, class 15, class 17, and class 18 shall maintain at all times liquor liability insurance coverage in an amount not less than $1,000,000; provided that convenience minimarts holding a class 4 license shall not be required to maintain liquor liability insurance coverage in that amount. Proof of coverage shall be kept on the premises and shall be made available for inspection by the commission at any time during the licensee's regular business hours. In the event of a licensee's failure to obtain or maintain the required coverage, the commission shall refuse to issue or renew a license or shall suspend or terminate the license as appropriate. No license shall be granted, reinstated, or renewed until after the required insurance coverage is obtained.
(t) It shall be unlawful for any retail licensee except a class 10 licensee to purchase or acquire liquor from any person other than a wholesaler licensed pursuant to this chapter, except as otherwise provided in this section.
(u) Any provision to the contrary notwithstanding:
(1) A patron may remove from any class of licensed premises any portion of wine, liquor, or beer that was purchased on or brought onto the premises of the licensee engaged in meal service for consumption with a meal; provided that the wine, liquor, or beer is recorked or resealed in its original container; and
(2) Licensees engaged in meal service may sell unopened beer, wine, and prepackaged cocktails with food for pick up, delivery, take out, or other means to be consumed off-premises.
(v) Sections 281-57 to 281-60 shall not apply to classes 8, 9, 10, and 13. [L Sp 1933, c 40, §11; RL 1935, §2580; am L 1935, c 105, § §6 to 8; am L 1937, c 211, §6; am L 1939, c 71, § §1, 2 and c 205, pt of §1; RL 1945, §7232; am L 1947, c 148, §1; am L 1955, c 263, §2; RL 1955, §159-30; am L 1961, c 89, §1 and c 90, §1; am L 1965, c 181, §1; am L 1967, c 172, §1; HRS §281-31; am L 1969, c 133, §1 and c 198, §1; am L 1970, c 5, §2; am L 1976, c 87, §2; am L 1978, c 25, §1; am L 1980, c 199, §2; am L 1981, c 60, §1; am L 1982, c 183, §1; am L 1983, c 292, §1; am L 1984, c 269, §1; gen ch 1985; am L 1988, c 383, §3; am L 1990, c 171, §9; am L 1991, c 196, §1; am L 1994, c 174, §2; am L 1995, c 38, §2; am L 1996, c 55, §1; am L 1997, c 57, §2; am L 1998, c 75, §2; am L 1999, c 69, §1; am L 2001, c 55, §11; am L 2002, c 16, §12 and c 49, §2; am L 2004, c 200, §1; am L 2005, c 145, §1; am L 2007, c 53, § §3, 7; am L 2008, c 163, §1 and c 168, §5; am L 2009, c 177, §1 and c 184, §6; am L 2010, c 198, §2; am L 2011, c 138, §1; am L 2012, c 302, §1; am L 2014, c 211, §3; am L 2015, c 227, §1; am L 2018, c 90, §1, c 91, §1, and c 93, §2; am L 2019, c 115, §2; am L 2022, c 89, §1; am L 2023, c 65, §1]
Cross References
Class 5 or class 11 liquor licensee; National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline; posting requirement; penalty, see §371-20.
Case Notes
Cited: 35 H. 788, 790 (1941).