By: Bill Sabo • Director of Economic Development • City of Shreveport
The City of Shreveport is streamlining its business licensing operations with major changes to the Alcoholic Beverage Ordinance (ABO) card application process.
On June 9, the City Council unanimously voted to amend the ABO and liquor license ordinance to extend card validity and allow businesses to begin the liquor licensing process prior to opening. The changes are effective June 24.
The reform, led by the Office of Economic Development in partnership with the Shreveport Police Department, moves the process to a new user-friendly online platform, aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and convenience. The site is expected to be live in early July.
“This reform is a perfect example of a low-cost, high-impact change that helps us modernize government and make Shreveport more business-friendly,” Mayor Tom Arceneaux said. “It also gives literally hundreds of man hours back to the Shreveport Police Department for enforcement and inspections.”
Among the most notable changes: ABO cards will now be valid for three years instead of two, with no increase in cost. The longer validity period will save time and money for thousands of local workers while maintaining regulatory standards.
In Shreveport, ABO cards are required for anyone involved in the sale, service or handling of alcohol — including bartenders, servers, cashiers, managers, security personnel and temporary workers at festivals or catered events. The SPD processes about 3,700 ABO cards annually.
Previously, the system relied on paper forms and email submissions. SPD officers manually re-entered information into a legacy database, costing dozens of staff hours per week and reducing time available for inspections and enforcement. There was also no automated notification system to alert applicants when their cards were ready.
Now, applicants can complete the process entirely online using a desktop, tablet or smartphone. The new system includes integrated payments, and real-time background check tracking, automated email notifications and pre-filled renewal forms. SPD officers can also access records in the field via iPads, improving on-site compliance and enforcement.
“This reform is a perfect example of a low-cost, high-impact change that helps us modernize government and make Shreveport more business-friendly,” Mayor Tom Arceneaux said. “It also gives literally hundreds of man hours back to the Shreveport Police Department for enforcement and inspections.”
The ABO upgrade is the first in a series of planned improvements to business licensing in the city. Work is already underway to bring Shreveport’s liquor license and event permit systems online, as outlined by the mayor’s Small Business Task Force.
The message from city leadership is clear: In Shreveport, doing business is getting easier—one reform at a time.