What does a Class 1 manufacturer license primarily authorize?
Based on: HRS 281-31(b) Class 1 Manufacturer license
Maui County Liquor Card Exam · Licenses
Maui Liquor Card Exam Practice Questions: License Types and Permits (2026)
Hawaii organises liquor licenses into numbered classes under HRS section 281-31, and the Maui County liquor card exam expects you to know what each class authorizes. The backbone distinction is on-premises versus off-premises: a class 5 dispenser or class 2 restaurant sells liquor for consumption on the premises, a class 4 retail dealer sells original packages to take away, and a class 3 wholesale dealer sells only to other licensees. Around that core sit the special-purpose classes, from the class 10 special license for three-day fundraisers to the class 17 bring-your-own-beverage license.
Practice
Free practice questions
Under a Class 1 manufacturer license, when may liquor be consumed on the premises?
Based on: HRS 281-31(b) Class 1 Manufacturer license
Which kinds are available under a Class 1 manufacturer license?
Based on: HRS 281-31(b) Class 1 Manufacturer license
A Class 1 manufacturer may sell liquor it makes from State-grown products to a private individual for what purpose?
Based on: HRS 281-31(b) Class 1 Manufacturer license
In what form must a Class 1 manufacturer sell liquor to a wholesaler?
Based on: HRS 281-31(b) Class 1 Manufacturer license
May a manufacturer licensee hold an interest in another licensee's business?
Based on: HRS 281-31(b) Class 1 Manufacturer license (interest limit)
The restriction on a manufacturer holding an interest in other licensees is intended to keep what separation?
Based on: HRS 281-31(b) Class 1 Manufacturer license (interest limit)
Which licensee may a Class 1 manufacturer lawfully hold an interest in?
Based on: HRS 281-31(b) Class 1 Manufacturer license (interest limit)
What is the core authorization of a Class 2 restaurant license?
Based on: HRS 281-31(c) Class 2 Restaurant license
For off-premises sales, a Class 2 restaurant may sell beer or cider in a sealed container up to what maximum capacity?
Based on: HRS 281-31(c) Class 2 Restaurant license
Reading the license classes
Most classes come in kinds: typically general (all liquor except alcohol), beer and wine, or beer only. A class 1 manufacturer sells in original packages to licensed wholesalers, may not allow consumption on the premises except as the commission authorizes, and may hold an interest in no other licensee except a wholesale dealer. A class 2 restaurant sells for on-premises consumption, and a new application must certify that at least thirty per cent of gross revenue will come from food sales; it may also sell beer, malt beverages, or cider to go in a securely sealed glass, ceramic, or metal container not exceeding one-half gallon, and may cater off-premises with commission approval. A class 4 retail dealer sells at retail in original packages for off-premises consumption. A class 5 dispenser is licensed by the category of establishment it runs, such as a standard bar or premises with entertainment, and must apply for a new license to change category. A class 6 club sells only to members and their guests for consumption on the club premises, and members may keep a reasonable quantity of their own liquor in a private locker.
Special classes, temporary licenses, and permits
The special-purpose classes carry the exam's favourite numbers. A class 10 special license runs for no more than three days and serves fundraising events by nonprofits, political candidates, and parties, with hearings, fees, notarization, and floor plans waived. A class 11 cabaret requires food service, a dance floor, and live or amplified music, and cabarets in resort areas may stay open until 4:00 a.m. all week. Class 12 hotel and class 15 condominium hotel licenses sell all liquor except alcohol and may add room service and no-host minibars with commission approval. A class 13 caterer must deliver prior written notice of each catered event to the commission office. A class 14 brewpub may sell its own beer in growlers, recyclable containers not exceeding one gallon sealed on the premises, and may admit minors accompanied by a parent or legal guardian of legal drinking age. A class 16 winery may manufacture up to twenty thousand barrels of wine a year, and a class 18 small craft producer pub is capped at seventy thousand barrels of malt beverages. A class 17 license lets patrons bring their own liquor for consumption between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. Beyond the classes, HRS section 281-32 allows a temporary license for up to one hundred twenty days with one renewal, and HRS section 281-31(s) requires most on-premises and retail classes to carry liquor liability insurance of at least $1,000,000, with proof kept on the premises.
| Class | What it authorizes |
|---|---|
| 1 Manufacturer | Make liquor; sell original packages to licensed wholesalers |
| 2 Restaurant | On-premises sale; to-go beer, malt beverage, or cider in sealed containers up to one-half gallon; 30 per cent food revenue certification |
| 3 Wholesale dealer | Import and sell only to licensees or others authorized to resell |
| 4 Retail dealer | Retail sale in original packages for off-premises consumption |
| 5 Dispenser | On-premises sale by category of establishment, such as a standard bar |
| 6 Club | Sale to members and their guests, consumption on club premises only |
| 10 Special | Sale for up to 3 days at nonprofit or political fundraising events |
| 11 Cabaret | On-premises sale with food, dance floor, and music; resort areas until 4:00 a.m. |
| 12 Hotel | All liquor except alcohol on hotel premises; room service and minibars with approval |
| 13 Caterer | Off-premises catering of liquor with prior written notice to the commission |
| 14 Brewpub | Own-brewed beer on premises; growlers up to one gallon; sales to wholesalers |
| 16 Winery | Manufacture up to 20,000 barrels of wine a year; on-premises and wholesale sales |
| 17 Bring-your-own-beverage | Patrons bring their own liquor, 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.; no sale of liquor by the licensee |
| 18 Small craft producer pub | Up to 70,000 barrels malt beverages, 20,000 barrels wine, 7,500 barrels alcohol a year |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What license does a bar need in Maui County?
A standard bar operates under a class 5 dispenser license, which HRS section 281-31(f) issues according to the category of establishment, such as a standard bar or premises with entertainment. It authorizes selling liquor for consumption on the premises, and a licensee that wants to change category must apply for a new license for that category.
Can a Maui County restaurant sell beer to go?
Yes. Under HRS section 281-31(c), a class 2 restaurant licensee may sell beer, malt beverages, or cider for off-premises consumption in a securely sealed or covered glass, ceramic, or metal container not exceeding one-half gallon. The core of the class remains on-premises service, backed by the certification that at least thirty per cent of gross revenue comes from food.
How long does a temporary liquor license last in Hawaii?
Not more than one hundred twenty days, under HRS section 281-32, renewable at the commission's discretion for no more than one additional one hundred twenty day period. It is available where the premises operated under a license of the same class, kind, and category for at least a year, and when it expires with no permanent license issued, sale and service must cease.
What is a class 10 special license in Maui County?
A short-term license under HRS section 281-31(j) for the sale of liquor for a period not exceeding three days, used for fundraising events by nonprofit organizations, political candidates, and political parties. The commission waives hearings, fees, notarization, and floor plans, requires no criminal history check, and may ask for proof of liquor liability insurance for the event.
How much liquor liability insurance must a Maui County licensee carry?
Not less than $1,000,000, under HRS section 281-31(s), for licensees in classes 2, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, and 18, with proof of coverage kept on the premises for inspection. Convenience minimarts holding a class 4 license are excused from the $1,000,000 amount, and failure to maintain coverage leads to refusal, suspension, or termination of the license.
Can a brewpub in Maui County let minors onto the premises?
Yes, in one narrow case: HRS section 281-31(n) lets a class 14 brewpub licensee allow minors on the premises when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian of legal drinking age. An older sibling or cousin does not qualify. The same section defines the growler, a recyclable or reusable container not exceeding one gallon sealed on the premises.