Nebraska Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers

Nebraska presents a straightforward and business-friendly alcohol market that reflects the state’s open regulatory approach and growing craft beverage industry. The Cornhusker State operates as an open market under the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission (NLCC), which provides streamlined oversight while allowing broad retail distribution through private businesses. This creates a flexible regulatory environment that supports both established brands and emerging craft producers.

Nebraska had an approximate population of 2 million people in 2024, with 1.4 million within the legal drinking age bracket. The state ranks 40th in distilled spirits consumption, with annual sales of approximately 1.3 million 9-liter cases.

The state’s alcohol industry features a developing production landscape with over 30 distilleries, 30 wineries, and 50 breweries contributing to the market’s vibrancy and variety. Nebraska’s emergence as a craft beverage destination reflects both its agricultural heritage and increasingly sophisticated consumer preferences.

A particularly distinctive feature of Nebraska’s regulatory framework is its comprehensive retail accessibility—beer, wine, and spirits can be purchased at a wide range of private retailers, including grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations, unlike some states where spirits can only be bought at separate liquor stores. Additionally, in 2024-2025, Nebraska approved alcohol sales at major university sporting venues like Memorial Stadium, making it the last Big Ten school to enable in-stadium sales.

We’ve prepared a guide to the Nebraska market, which covers the following topics:

• Consumption trends
• The most popular alcohol categories
• Local guidelines

If you need help establishing your presence in Nebraska, provide your information below, and we’ll contact you to share more on how we can help.

Consumption Trends In Nebraska

In the five-year period from 2020 to 2024, spirits consumption in Nebraska grew at a CAGR of +2.70%. Wine and beer experienced drops in consumption over a similar five-year period from 2019 to 2023. Wine consumption dropped at a -2.35% CAGR and beer saw a CAGR drop of -3.41%.

Nebraska Spirits Consumption from 2020-2024 by 9-Liter Cases

Nebraska Wine Consumption from 2019-2023 by 9-Liter Cases

Nebraska Beer Consumption from 2019-2023 by 9-Liter Cases

Nebraska State Alcohol Licensing

Nebraska operates as an open state with the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission (NLCC) overseeing all aspects of alcohol regulation. Nebraska is not a franchise state, providing flexibility in supplier-distributor relationships. The state maintains an open market system that allows broad retail distribution through various private business channels.

Common Licenses for Manufacturers in Nebraska

Spirits

• Microdistillery License – For facilities producing up to 100,000 gallons of liquor annually. Application fee $400 plus $250 license fee (total $650). Requires a minimum $1,000 alcoholic liquor tax bond. Permits both manufacture and retail sale (on/off-site) of own microdistilled products. Eligible for catering, special event, entertainment district, and farmers market licenses.
• Distillery (Manufacturer’s) License – For production above the microdistillery threshold. Fee $1,000 per year with $1,000 minimum alcohol tax bond. Allows the manufacture, storage, and sale of spirits to wholesalers inside Nebraska and to customers outside Nebraska. Permits the operation of a rickhouse with additional commission notification and approval.

Wine

• Farm Winery License – Allows manufacture, storage, and retail/wholesale sale of wine produced onsite, up to 50,000 gallons per year. Application fee $400 plus $250 license fee (renewal $45). Can operate up to four branch outlets and offer wine tastings. Wineries producing up to 30,000 gallons annually may ship directly to consumers. May also apply for catering and special event licenses.

Beer

• Craft Brewery License – For breweries producing up to 20,000 barrels per year. Allows the manufacture, storage, and sale of its own beer for on-premises and off-premises consumption, and distribution to wholesalers and retailers. Self-distribution allowed up to 250 barrels per year directly to Nebraska retail licensees. Can operate multiple locations (up to eight with commission authorization).
• Manufacturer’s License – Required if brewery exceeds 20,000 barrels per year. Allows larger production volumes and wholesale/retail sales on the licensed premises.

Out-of-State Brand Requirements

Spirits

• Spirit Shipper (Class S) License – Out-of-state producers (or wholesalers) must obtain this license from the NLCC to ship spirits to Nebraska-licensed wholesalers for distribution within the state. Does not permit direct sales to retailers or consumers.

Wine

• Spirit & Wine Shipper (Class S) License – Out-of-state wineries must obtain this license from the NLCC to sell wine in Nebraska (other than by direct shipping to consumers). Permits shipment only to Nebraska-licensed wholesalers. All wine brands and labels must be registered and approved by the NLCC prior to sale or distribution. Requires evidence of a federal TTB Basic Permit and Certificate of Label Approval (COLA).
• Direct Shipper (Class S1) License – Out-of-state wineries can ship up to 12 cases per person, per year, directly to Nebraska consumers. Requires proof of federal licensure, brand registration, and label approval. Only wine produced by the licensee may be shipped. Requires annual renewal and detailed shipment records.

Beer

• Beer Shipper (Class T) License – Out-of-state beer producers must obtain this license from the NLCC to ship beer to licensed Nebraska beer wholesalers for distribution within the state. Direct sales or shipments to retailers or consumers are not allowed.

Nebraska State Alcohol Regulations

Price Posting in Nebraska

Price posting is not required.

Brand/Label Registration Requirements

Beginning January 1, 2025, label registration is required prior to the sale or shipment of any alcoholic beverages into Nebraska by a licensed manufacturer, wholesaler, or holder of a shipping license. Pre-registration commenced July 1, 2024. Registration requires submission of a form, $20.00 fee, a copy of the product’s federal label approval (or a sample of the label if federal approval is not required), and disclosure of the designated Nebraska wholesaler and Primary American Source. Registration is valid for one year and expires annually on June 30.

Direct-to-Consumer Sales and Delivery

All Categories

• Shipping License – Manufacturers who sell and ship alcoholic liquor from another state may apply for a shipping license to sell directly to Nebraska consumers of legal drinking age. “Alcoholic liquor” includes spirits, wine, cider and beer. Cost is $500.00 per year.

Wine

• Farm Winery Direct Sales – In-state farm wineries producing up to 30,000 gallons annually may ship directly to consumers in Nebraska and out of state.
• Direct Shipper (Class S1) License – Out-of-state wineries can ship up to 12 cases per person, per year, directly to Nebraska consumers.

Beer

• Craft Brewery Direct Sales – In-state craft breweries may self-distribute up to 250 barrels per year directly to Nebraska retail licensees.

Retailer Delivery

Nebraska Regulation Section 6-019 authorizes delivery to a consumer by a retailer or its agent, provided that the consumer has paid prior to delivery by cash, credit, or debit card, and that the licensee has verified that the sale has not been made to a minor and that delivery will not be made to a minor.

Nebraska Spirits Volume By Category – 2024 Data

Spirit trends in Nebraska by volume and dollar sales in 2024.

Source: Beverage Information Group

Nebraska Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2023 Data

Beer trends in Nebraska by volume sales in 2023

Source: Beverage Information Group

Nebraska Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2023 Data

Wine trends in Nebraska by volume sales in 2023

Source: Beverage Information Group

Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In Nebraska

Find a list of the top distributors located in the state of Nebraska. If you need more information on distributors, please reach out to us directly.

Wine & Spirits Distributors

Selling Alcohol In Nebraska

If you do not find the information you are seeking, please do not hesitate to contact us for further clarification.

FAQs on Nebraska Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales

Buying Alcohol In Nebraska – Hours, Locations & Taxes

The laws and regulations for buying alcohol in Nebraska may vary. Therefore, you’ll want to check with the local government to ensure you know the local laws.

FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Nebraska

(Data sources – lcc.nebraska.gov, wikipedia.org)

At Park Street, we provide services to thousands of clients looking to expand their reach and improve their processes. Services provided include but are not limited to operations, importing, DTR, and more. If you’re looking to grow your brand and focus on marketing while we do the rest, then please reach out to us!