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

Nevada presents one of the most permissive and business-friendly alcohol markets in the United States, reflecting the state’s unique regulatory approach and hospitality-driven economy.

Nevada had an approximate population of 3.3 million people in 2024, with 2.4 million within the legal drinking age bracket. The state ranks 22nd in distilled spirits consumption, with annual sales of approximately 4.7 million 9-liter cases.

The state’s alcohol industry features a growing production landscape with over 12 distilleries, 10 wineries, and 50 breweries contributing to the market’s vibrancy and variety. Nevada’s emergence as a craft beverage destination reflects both its tourism economy and increasingly sophisticated local consumer preferences.

Nevada permits the sale of alcohol 24/7 with no statewide hours of sale restrictions or mandatory closing times. Consumers can purchase beer, wine, and liquor at grocery stores, convenience marts, package stores (including drive-throughs), and liquor stores with virtually no limits on cross-channel retailing. Public consumption is permitted in many areas, including the Las Vegas Strip. Uniquely, state law specifically prohibits making public intoxication a criminal offense, a rare statutory protection in the U.S.

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

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

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

Consumption Trends In Nevada

The information displayed below showcases CAGR trends over the last five years in the state of Nevada.

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

Nevada Wine Consumption from 2020-2024 by 9-Liter Cases

Nevada Beer Consumption from 2020-2024 by 9-Liter Cases

Nevada State Alcohol Licensing

Nevada operates as an open state, with the Nevada Department of Taxation responsible for issuing state liquor licenses. Nevada is a franchise state, providing protection for alcohol beverage distributors in their relationships with suppliers. The state maintains one of the most permissive regulatory environments in the nation, with 24/7 sales availability and minimal retail restrictions.

Common Licenses for Manufacturers in Nevada

Spirits

• Nevada Distillery License (Estate or Craft Distillery) – Authorizes manufacture of spirits for sale to Nevada wholesalers and, with restrictions, for retail sale on premises. Permits serving samples (maximum 4 fl. oz. per person, per day). Allows sales for off-premises use up to 1 case/month and 6 cases/year per person, with an annual on-premise sales limit of 7,500 cases. On-site retail and tastings require appropriate local retail and sales licenses.

Wine

• Nevada Winemaker’s License – Authorizes the manufacture, bottling, blending, and aging of wine. Permits importing juice or wine from other states for use in Nevada production. Allows sales either wholesale to Nevada-licensed wholesalers or at retail (with certain limitations).

Beer

• Nevada Brewer’s License (Brewery License) – Permits the manufacture of beer, sale to in-state wholesalers, and (with specific endorsements/licenses) sale to the public directly.
• Nevada Brewpub License – Allows direct sales to consumers for on-site and off-site consumption, plus sales of beer to Nevada wholesalers, bypassing traditional restrictions on direct consumer sales.

Out-of-State Brand Requirements

Spirits

• Certificate of Compliance (Supplier Permit) – Every out-of-state spirits supplier must obtain this license to legally ship spirits into Nevada, even if only shipping to distributors (wholesalers). Must submit monthly reports detailing all shipments to Nevada importers/wholesalers by the 10th of each month.

Wine

• Certificate of Compliance (Supplier Permit) – Every out-of-state wine supplier must obtain this license to legally ship wine into Nevada, even if only shipping to distributors (wholesalers). Must submit monthly reports detailing all shipments to Nevada importers/wholesalers by the 10th of each month.

Beer

• Certificate of Compliance (Supplier License) – Every out-of-state brewer must secure this supplier license to legally ship beer into Nevada. Application requires proof of federal TTB Brewer’s Notice, business registration, and $50 fee ($50 annual renewal). Must designate a Nevada-licensed importer/wholesaler for all shipments. Monthly report of shipments due to the Department of Taxation by the 10th of the following month.

Franchise Requirements

Out-of-state producers must designate a Nevada-licensed importer or wholesaler to receive, store, and distribute their products. Direct sales or shipments to Nevada retailers or consumers are not permitted (except for wine DTC). The designated Nevada wholesaler is responsible for payment of state excise taxes and regulatory compliance.

Nevada State Alcohol Regulations

Price Posting in Nevada

Price posting is not required.

Brand/Label Registration Requirements

Brand registration is required, but individual labels/products don’t need to be registered. Form LT-08, designating the wholesaler(s) authorized to sell the brand in Nevada, needs to be signed by both the supplier and the wholesaler and submitted to the Liquor Division.

Direct-to-Consumer Sales and Delivery

Wine

• Certificate of Compliance Direct Shipping – Suppliers with a Nevada Certificate of Compliance may ship wine directly to Nevada consumers. There are no provisions allowing shipment of any other type of alcoholic beverage directly to residents of Nevada. Out-of-state retail licensees are not permitted to ship wine directly to Nevada residents.

Spirits

• Direct-to-consumer shipping is not permitted. Sales limited to on-premises at licensed craft distilleries within statutory limits.

Beer

• Direct-to-consumer shipping is not permitted. Direct sales are available through brewpub licenses for on-site and off-site consumption.

Retailer Delivery

A retail liquor store, or a delivery support service acting on behalf of a retail liquor store, may deliver liquor in its original package to a consumer in connection with a retail sale if the liquor was purchased by the retail liquor store from a licensed wholesaler and the delivery takes place in a jurisdiction where the retail liquor store is licensed to sell liquor at retail.

Nevada Spirits Volume By Category – 2024 Data

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

Source: Beverage Information Group

Nevada Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2024 Data

Wine trends in Nevada by volume sales in 2024

Source: Beverage Information Group

Nevada Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2024 Data

Beer trends in Nevada by volume sales in 2024

Source: Beverage Information Group

Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In Nevada

The distribution of alcoholic beverages in the US follows a strict three-tiered structure. Wholesalers and importers make up the intermediate layer of the industry, which secures the supply of alcoholic drinks from the lower tier, which consists of suppliers and producers. The products are then distributed by wholesalers and importers to distributors, who then sell them to retailers, who serve as the products’ final customers.

Selling Alcohol In Nevada

We have gathered answers to some of the most often-asked questions on the selling of alcohol in the state to help you in your attempt. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more clarification if you are unable to locate the information you are looking for.

FAQs on Nevada Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales

Buying Alcohol In Nevada – Hours, Locations & Taxes

Below you will find all the answers to the most common questions related to buying beer, wine, and spirits in the state of Nevada. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to us directly for more information.

FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Nevada

(Data Source – nvabc.com, tax.nv.org)

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