The Kansas Department of Revenue’s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) division is making changes to the way businesses and organizations apply for or renew Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) licenses. The updated process will take effect September 1, 2025, and applies to On-Premises, Off-Premises, and Temporary/Special Event licenses.
New Application Steps
Under the new system, applicants must begin at the state level before submitting paperwork locally:
Apply with the State of Kansas (ABC):
• Complete the CMB application and pay the $25 state fee for each license type.
• Separate applications and fees are required for On-Premises and Off-Premises licenses if both are needed.
State Review:
• ABC reviews the application, issues official stamps, and returns the stamped application to the applicant.
• Submit to Reno County Clerk’s Office:
Applicants must then bring the stamped application, state stamps, and the local license fee to the county clerk’s office.
Local license fees are $100 for On-Premises, $50 for Off-Premises, and $25 for Temporary/Special Event licenses.
Background Check and Approval:
• A Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) background check will be conducted.
• Applications are then reviewed by the Reno County Board of Commissioners, which must approve the license before it is issued.
Officials recommend that businesses begin the process at least two months before their license expiration. Reno County requires completed applications two weeks before expiration in order to place them on the Board of County Commissioners’ agenda.
Editor's note: The above steps are for businesses located in Reno County. If you are in the City of Hutchinson the application process is the same, you still need to apply to the Alcohol Beverage Control division first.
Once approved by the ABC, then you take the application to be taken to the city clerk's office. The only time that a CMB application needs to go through the city council is if it is for a special event.