We are excited that you are considering the City of Pooler as the future home for your business! The Business Registration Department’s goal is to provide friendly and professional services to all of City of Pooler’s business owners. The Business Registration Department is responsible for all Occupational Tax Certifications (Business Licenses), Alcohol Licensing, and other special permits.
Phone: 912-748-7261
Beginning January 12, 2022 all new Alcoholic Beverage applications will need to be submitted online via the Georgia Department of Revenue website. Once the initial online application is submitted please call the Occupational Tax Specialist to provide notification of your submitted application. Please follow the instructions on the application to perform your background check and fingerprints. If fingerprinting services are unavailable please contact us. All required forms need to be filled out, notarized and returned to City Hall with payment. All applications will be reviewed by Building & Zoning, Police Chief, and final approval will be given by the Mayor and Council at a scheduled Council meeting which will require the applicant’s attendance. Please use the link below to access the website:
Alcoholic Beverage License application:
Alcoholic Beverage License.pdf
All restaurants or local businesses who are applying for or in possession of the Retail Liquor/Sell by the Drink only license will need to submit a monthly Liquor (Distilled Spirits) by the Drink Excise Tax Return. Below you will find the required form. This tax return must be filed and paid by the 20th of the month following the period for which the tax is due to avoid penalty and interest. Failure to pay the tax by the due date will result in the imposition of penalty and interest. If the 20th falls on a weekend or Federal Holiday the return needs to be filed and paid, or postmarked, by the following business day. Any questions regarding this please contact Demeshia Coleman, Finance Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Link to City Ordinance for Mixed Drink Excise Tax –
https://library.municode.com/ga/pooler/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH6ALBE_ARTIIMIDREXTA
Liquor (Distilled Spirits) By the Drink Excise Tax Return.pdf
A business license with the City of Pooler will be required if an out of state business does not have a licensed location in the State of Georgia and they will have one or more employees or agents who exert substantial efforts within the jurisdiction of the city for the purpose of soliciting business or serving customers/clients. This also includes anyone who owns personal or real property which generates income and which is located within the jurisdiction of the City.
General Business Application
Link to Ordinance for Business with no location in the State
***NO DOOR TO DOOR SOLICITATION PERMITS ARE BEING ISSUED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE***
All persons, firms or corporations that want to engage in the business of soliciting in the City of Pooler must first obtain a permit in accordance with the provisions contained in Article VII of the Code of Ordinances, see link below. This applies to door-to-door solicitations for commercial transactions for profit only. In no event shall a permit be valid for more than 30 days. All applications have a checklist on the first page, please review this carefully and make sure that you submit all the required documentation to the Occupational Tax Clerk. A permit will be issued after it has been reviewed and approved by appropriate personnel.
Link to Ordinance for Door to Door Sales Permit:
https://library.municode.com/ga/pooler/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH26BU_ARTVIIDO-DSA
OCCUPATION TAX
The Occupation tax (Business License) fees shall be payable January 1 of each year. All renewal applications will be sent out between October and November of the previous year for all active licenses and permits. Every year each business will need to fill out the renewal form completely. Below you will find link to our Renewal ordinance and all the necessary forms. See below FAQ #7 for description of penalties if tax remains unpaid.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES
The Alcoholic Beverage License renewal process is now open. Effective November 15th, 2021, City of Pooler’s Mayor and Council approved a new ordinance to amend Chapter 6 Alcoholic Beverages. Below you will find the links to the required form for renewal and to the approved ordinance which is effective immediately.
For 2022 license renewals only, current alcohol license holders in good standing with the City of Pooler, shall have a grace period until January 31, 2022 to apply for a license renewal. Licensees shall make their best effort to renew their current license with the City of Pooler before December 31, 2021. All payments received after January 31st, 2022 will be assessed a 25% penalty.
Alcoholic Licensing Ordinance
Alcoholic Beverage License Renewal Application
Sunday Sales Affidavit.pdf
ANNUAL OCCUPATIONAL TAX (BUSINESS LICENSE) FEES | (Prorated rates are for New Applications ONLY) | |
# of Employees | Tax Rate with $25 Admin Fee | Tax Rate after July 1st with $25 Admin Fee |
1 | $75.00 | $50.00 |
2 | $110.00 | $67.50 |
3 | $145.00 | $85.00 |
4 | $180.00 | $102.50 |
5 | $215.00 | $120.00 |
6 | $250.00 | $137.50 |
7 | $285.00 | $155.00 |
8 | $320.00 | $172.50 |
9 | $355.00 | $190.00 |
10 | $390.00 | $207.50 |
11 | $425.00 | $225.00 |
12 | $460.00 | $242.50 |
13 | $495.00 | $260.00 |
14 | $530.00 | $277.50 |
15 | $565.00 | $295.00 |
16 | $600.00 | $312.50 |
17 | $635.00 | $330.00 |
18 | $670.00 | $347.50 |
19 | $705.00 | $365.00 |
20 | $740.00 | $382.50 |
21 or more | $740 plus $1.00 per employee | $382.50 plus $1.00 per employee |
INSURANCE COMPANIES | $100.00 ANNUAL FEE | not prorated |
If you have any questions please contact the Business Registration office in the Finance Department call (912) 748-7261 ext. 109. Hablamos español.
City of Pooler, GA | 100 SW US HW 80, Pooler, GA 31322
City Hall: (912) 748-7261
Police Department: (912) 748-7333