6 Best Liquor Store POS Systems in 2023
This article is part of a larger series on POS Systems.
Liquor store owners need a point-of-sale (POS) system that can track and manage thousands of products in inventory, organize vendors, and implement security features efficiently to prevent illegal sales and store theft. Ideal liquor store POS systems also include tools to conduct physical inventory, manage both customers and employees, provide ecommerce and marketing integrations, and offer multiple payment processing options.
Based on our evaluations, the best liquor store POS systems are:
- KORONA: Best overall liquor store POS
- POS Nation: Best for upgrading from a cash register
- Lightspeed Retail: Best iPad-based liquor store POS
- IT Retail: Best for theft prevention
- mPower Beverage: Best for keg rental and allocated bottle sales
- Square for Retail: Best free POS for ecommerce
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Best Liquor Store POS Systems Compared
Monthly Fees | Installation Fees | Hardware Cost | Age Verification | Payment Processing | Spirits Industry Ecommerce Integrations | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$59–$89+ | None | Use existing or purchase for custom fees | ✓ | Varies by processor | bLoyal and BottlecApps | |
$99+ per terminal | Optional, custom quoted | Included | ✓ | Custom-quoted* | Integrates with your existing website | |
$69–$199* | None | Use existing or purchase for custom fees | ✓ | From 2.6% + 10 cents** | Drizly | |
Custom-quoted | Optional; custom-quoted | Custom-quoted | ✓ | Custom-quoted** | None | |
$120 per terminal | $1,000+ | Custom-quoted | ✓ | Varies by processor | Drizly, BottlecApps, CityHive, Drync, Minibar, Thirstie, WineFetch | |
$0–$60+ | None | $49–$799+ | Online only | From 2.6% + 10 cents | Vincipia | |
* Based on annual pricing with Lightspeed Payments.
** Also integrates with select third-party payment processors.
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KORONA: Best Overall Liquor Store POS
Pros
- Robust inventory tracking with vendor management
- No long-term contracts
- Bring your own processor and shop for the lowest rates
Cons
- Inventory is not included in the baseline plan; you’ll need to upgrade to access
- Ecommerce functions require third-party integrations
- No option for built-in payment processing; you’ll need to bring your own processor
What we like:
KORONA combines the excellent POS functions with terrific contract terms—an unlimited free trial, affordable monthly fees, no long-term contract, and endless payment processing integrations. The value for money is what earned KORONA the top spot on our liquor POS ranking. A cloud-based POS compatible with any internet-connected device, KORONA operates on iPads, Android tablets, and desktop computers, so it’s likely to operate on hardware you already own; though if you want that “new POS” smell, you can purchase hardware from KORONA for custom-quoted fees.
Mobile POS Tablet | Countertop POS with PIN-reader | Countertop POS with handheld scanner |
---|---|---|
Handheld, Wi-Fi enabled mobile POS tablet | Countertop POS with touch-screen terminal, cash drawer, receipt printer, and PIN-enabled card reader | Countertop POS with touch-screen terminal, handheld barcode scanner, and receipt printer |
- Robust liquor inventory tools
KORONA tracks inventory as you sell it, updating on-hand stock in real time. When it’s time to resupply, you can create purchase orders (POs) directly in your KORONA dashboard. KORONA speeds physical inventory counts with an integrated scan-to-count smartphone app. - Antitheft features
KORONA supports unlimited users and customized permissions, so you can control exactly what information each employee can access. It tracks voids and refunds by employees and supports blind cash drops so you can easily spot cash overages or shortages in cashier tills. - Age verification
You can set the system to prompt cashiers to enter a date of birth before processing a transaction or attach ID scanners to your POS and swipe IDs for age verification. Age verification prompts are added by product sector, so you don’t need to assign age restrictions to individual products manually. - Liquor industry integrations
Integrations with bLoyal and BottlecApps allow you to extend your loyalty features, create a customer-facing app, add shipping and an integrated ecommerce site, or offer local delivery (where local law permits).
Core | Advanced | Plus | Enterprise | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Monthly Software Fees | $59 | $69 | $89 | Quote-based |
Inventory Tracking | Included in Advanced and higher tiers | |||
Multistore Reporting | Included in Plus and higher tiers | |||
Payment Processing | Varies by processor; KORONA is processor agnostic |
If you prefer the speedy setup of a POS with a built-in payment processor, Lightspeed Retail is a better fit and also includes excellent inventory management.
POS Nation: Best for Upgrading From an Electronic Cash Register
Pros
- Cash discounting reduces processing costs
- Subscription fees include basic POS hardware
- Integrates with multiple payment processors
Cons
- Freedom level subscriptions only include three months of free customer support
- Month-to-month users are locked into Worldpay for payments
- Limited ecommerce functions
What we like:
POS Nation’s cash discount function allows shops that upgrade from an electronic cash register to cover the cost of credit card processing fees. You’ll also get excellent offline functionality alongside cloud flexibility. POS Nation’s front-end POS, which processes sales transactions, operates on an internal network so you don’t need to rely on internet access to process payments, but back-office reporting, inventory, and customer management function through the cloud.
All-in-one POS Kit | ID-Tech Integrated Card Reader | Verifone T650c Card Reader | CipherLab 8200 |
---|---|---|---|
$999 | $79 | $339 | $589 |
Touch-screen terminal, receipt printer, cash drawer, barcode scanner, card reader | USB-connected magnetic strip card reader | PIN-enabled touch-screen tap, dip, and swipe card reader | Rechargeable handheld mobile inventory counter |
- Cash discount setting
Cash-only stores may be reluctant to switch to a POS because a POS comes with the added cost of credit card processing fees. POS Nation gives these shops a handy workaround with its “cash discount” setting. This setting allows you to set a price for your products that is high enough to cover credit card processing fees, then offer a discount to customers who pay cash. This covers your fees and keeps you on the right side of the law; 10 states ban the practice of passing credit card fees directly onto customers. Cash discounting, however, is legal in all 50 states. - Short-term contract option
As with KORONA POS, POS Nation users have the option of a month-to-month contract. Its month-to-month contracts are a bit pricier than KORONA’s, but POS Nation includes desktop POS hardware in its fees. However, month-to-month users should note that they are locked into Worldpay as their only payment processing option. - State-specific reporting
POS Nation includes built-in reports for specific regions, like 1014 reporting for Pennsylvania beer distributors and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) Wholesale Liquor Report. - Hardware included in subscription
POS Nation includes POS terminal hardware for subscribers. Month-to-month subscribers pay $99 per terminal monthly for POS Nation hardware and software. Users who opt to purchase their system upfront pay $999 per terminal. You may need to purchase additional networking hardware and handheld inventory scanners. For a full estimate, get a tailored quote from POS Nation.
Flex | Freedom | |
---|---|---|
Software Fees | $99 per terminal monthly | $999 upfront |
Included Hardware | Touch-screen terminal, receipt printer, scanner, cash drawer, and chip card reader | Touch-screen terminal receipt printer, scanner, cash drawer, and chip card reader |
Customer Support | Included | 90 days included |
Payment Processing | Requires WorldPay merchant account | Choose from Worldpay, First American, Evo, Heartland, Priority I.S., and North American Bancard |
If you need the security of year-round customer support, you might be happier with KORONA or Lightspeed Retail. If you need ecommerce tools to sell spirits online, Lightspeed or mPower are better options.
Lightspeed Retail: Best iPad POS for Liquor Stores
Pros
- Easy to self-install
- Operates on iPads
- Lots of customizable add-ons and integrations
Cons
- Reporting and ecommerce tools require higher-priced subscription
- Hardware pricing is custom-quoted
- Using a third-party processor increases monthly software fees
What we like:
Lightspeed Retail users get age verification, ecommerce integrations, and comprehensive inventory with case-break pricing tools. In addition to those fundamental liquor store features, Lightspeed Retail users also get access to a wealth of small business-supporting third-party integrations that cover everything from employee scheduling, text message marketing, and liquor ecommerce and delivery integration Drizly.
Proper Stand | USB Barcode Scanner | Mobile Tap |
---|---|---|
Low profile, countertop iPad stand | USB-enabled barcode scanner | Tap, chip, and swipe reader |
- Multistep age verification
Your Lightspeed POS prompts your cashiers to scan customer IDs and then check that the scanned information matches the front of the ID. This two-step process can be a game changer for liquor stores in college towns or areas with a high incidence of fake IDs. - Shop by appointment
Lightspeed Retail includes appointment booking tools that allow you to create in-store shopping appointments. This is a great tool to offer VIPs or wine clubs or to use when you receive shipments of allocated bottles. - Email and short message service (SMS) marketing tools
Lightspeed Retail includes direct email and SMS marketing tools. Users can add Lightspeed’s built-in tools at the Advanced subscription tier ($199 per month) or rely on integrations with Ikeono for targeted text promotions and Mailchimp for targeted emails. - Built-in ecommerce tools
Lightspeed Retail users that subscribe at the Standard ($119 per month) or Advanced ($199 per month) level can add an integrated ecommerce site to the Lightspeed Retail POS. Integrations with BlueCheck and AdVision Age Verification support age verification in your online store. - Drizly integration
Like mPower Beverage, Lightspeed Retail integrates with Drizly, the ecommerce and local delivery app designed specifically for liquor stores.
Lean | Standard | Advanced | Enterprise | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Monthly Software Fees | ||||
Paid annually, with Lightspeed Payments | $69 | $119 | $199 | Custom-quoted |
Paid annually, without Lightspeed Payments | $119 | $169 | $249 | |
Paid monthly, with Lightspeed Payments | $89 | $149 | $269 | |
Paid monthly, with Lightspeed Payments | $139 | $199 | $319 | |
Payment Processing | Lightspeed Payments, starting at 2.6% + 10 cents Also integrates with Worldpay triPOS, Cayan, Element Express, Mercury, Tyro, BNP, and Concardis |
Shops that lack a strong internet connection may prefer a locally networked system like POS Nation or IT Retail. If you need industry-grade hardware designed to withstand high-volume use, those two systems are also good choices.
IT Retail: Best for Theft Prevention
Pros
- Customizable touch screens
- Security integration with Remote Eyes
- Age verification
Cons
- On-site help costs extra
- Limited payment processor options
- No liquor industry-specific ecommerce integrations
What we like:
IT Retail is a hybrid POS designed by former grocery store owners. This robust system is a great fit for high-volume liquor stores that need industry-grade hardware and comprehensive security integrations. While the system is best known as a grocery store POS, IT Retail’s robust tools provide excellent support for liquor stores. You’ll get age verification tools alongside comprehensive, real-time inventory tracking and case-break pricing.
CypherLab Inventory Scanner | IT Retail Countertop Terminal | IT Retail Self-Checkout Lane |
---|---|---|
Handheld barcode scanner for inventory receiving and counting | Countertop POS Terminal with integrated customer-facing display | Self-checkout stand with combination scale/scanner, touch-screen terminal, card reader, and bagging area |
- Theft protection
Your IT Retail POS analyzes every transaction for suspicious activity. It will flag transactions that managers should review for possible theft. The electronic journal feature saves a record of transactions so that you can see customers’ and cashiers’ actions at the till. The system also integrates with Remote Eyes, a video surveillance system that coordinates suspicious POS transactions with video clips. - Rewards prompt
Your IT Retail POS will alert cashiers when customers have unused rewards or loyalty points. The system scans itself based on the customer’s payment information and prompts cashiers to apply rewards before finalizing payment. - Mobile reporting app
IT Retail’s mobile reporting app allows you to see your store’s performance metrics from your phone, tablet, or off-site computer. - Robust reporting and analytics
IT Retail’s reports include robust sales and inventory reports. You can see the value of your current inventory at a glance and set low stock alerts to prompt new orders. You can segment reports to get a clear view of what stock is not selling. The system also includes detailed employee performance tracking to identify training opportunities or reward high performers.
Monthly Software Fees | Custom quote |
Android Inventory App | Custom quote |
Instacart Integration | Custom quote |
Customized Reporting | Custom quote |
Payment Processing | Choose from IT Retail Payments or Fiserv; rates are custom-quoted with both providers |
For more processing options, you should check out KORONA, Lightspeed Retail, mPower Beverage, or POS Nation. For ecommerce integrations, try Lightspeed Retail or mPower.
mPower Beverage: Best for Keg Rental & Allocated Bottles
Pros
- 70+ built-in reports, with custom reports available
- Age verification and easy item lookup
- Large number of liquor industry ecommerce integrations
Cons
- Pricey
- Windows-only devices
- Can be difficult to reach customer support on evenings and weekends
What we like:
mPower Beverage POS was designed specifically to support liquor operations. This locally installed, cloud-backed POS system offers robust offline functionality. If you want to analyze granular details of your liquor store operation, you’ll love mPower’s 70+ pre-built reports. For tracking allocated bottles or keg deposits, you’ll also love the reserve function that organizes pre-orders.
mPower POS operates on Windows devices that run Windows 10 or later. You can use hardware you already own, purchase from a third-party supplier, or purchase hardware from mPower for custom-quoted prices.
- Robust reporting, including state-specific reports
mPower includes a wealth of sales and inventory reports to help you track your stock by the case or bottle and generate new orders. You can drill down into your sales and cost data and convert any report into a chart. Like POS Nation, mPower also supports some state-specific reports, like the TABC reports for Texas shops. - 10 ecommerce integrations
mPower integrates with a whopping 10 different liquor-industry-specific ecommerce tools. Popular tools like BottlecApps and Drync give you a branded mobile app. Drizly and Minibar support local delivery where local laws permit. CityHive, Sellr, and WineFetch help users create high-functioning ecommerce websites. The BottleRoom 3 platform expands your store’s reach by connecting you with rebates, coupons, and promotions from major brands. If you need a branded ecommerce website that integrates with your POS, the Thirstie integration has you covered. - Reserve function
Your mPower Beverage POS includes a reserve function so customers can order special bottles ahead of a specific date. If your store rents kegs for private events, you can reserve kegs for a specific date and quickly recall the reserved order at a later date to process the payment.
First Register | Additional Registers | |
---|---|---|
Monthly Software Fees | $1,000 | $120 |
Set-up Fee (per register) | $120 | $250 |
For a lower-cost system, try KORONA or Lightspeed Retail. If you want the ease of built-in payment processing, look at Lightspeed Retail, IT Retail, or Square for Retail.
Square for Retail: Best for Ecommerce
Pros
- No long-term contracts
- Free baseline POS subscription
- Vincipia integration supports beer, wine, and spirits sales
Cons
- Age verification only operates on ecommerce site; POS has no age verification tools
- No case break or bottle deposit settings
- Square Payments is the only available processor
What we like:
Square for Retail is cloud POS that is popular with all types of independent retailers. With a free baseline POS subscription and self-installable software that operates on iPads and Square devices, it’s one of the most cost-effective POS systems on the market. While it lacks some of the specific liquor industry integrations that other systems on this list have, Square offers a free online store with age-verification pop-ups, and age-verified delivery via a DoorDash integration (in locations where liquor delivery is permitted; check your local laws).
Square Register | Square Stand | Square Terminal |
---|---|---|
$799 (or $39/mo over 24 months) | $149 (or $14/mo for 12 months) | $299 (or $27/mo over 12 months) |
Square designed touch-screen terminal with customer-facing display and built-in card reader | iPad stand with built-in card reader | Handheld POS and card reader |
- Free POS
The baseline Square for Retail POS is free to use for unlimited terminals. The Free POS only comes with a single set of user permissions, but this may be enough for small liquor stores or those just starting out. You can easily upgrade to a higher subscription tier as your business grows. - Free online store
All Square accounts come with a free Square Online Store. The online inventory syncs with your in-store inventory, so you can easily sell online for pick up or—where legally permitted—delivery. The Online Store includes pop-up tools for age verification to ensure your online orders comply with age requirements. - Square business ecosystem
The Square POS communicates seamlessly with the full suite of Square small business tools. You can add loyalty, email and text message marketing, team management, payroll, and more to run your business. Nearly every Square tool offers a free subscription, free trial, or pay-as-you-go plan, so you only pay for what you use. - Vincipia integration
Square for Retail integrates with the beer, wine, and spirits ecommerce platform Vincipia. Vincipia includes compliance tools to ensure your online sales comply with local liquor laws. Vincipia also includes club management and batch processing tools for subscriptions and wine clubs.
Free | Plus | Premium | |
---|---|---|---|
Monthly Software Fees | $0 | $60 | Custom quote |
Loyalty | $45–$105+ monthly for 500 to 10,000+ transactions | ||
Email and Text Marketing | $15–$425 monthly for 500 to 75,000+ messages | ||
Payment Processing |
|
High-volume liquor stores are better served by a specialized POS like KORONA, POS Nation, or mPower. If you want another self-installable system with more payment processing options and stronger inventory tracking, try Lightspeed Retail.
How We Evaluated Liquor Store POS
To determine the best POS systems for liquor stores, we looked for functions vital to beverage businesses, like comprehensive inventory management tools, intuitive checkout features, ecommerce integrations, and compliance tools like age verification. As always, we considered our retail and restaurant experts’ personal evaluations of each software. Click through the slides below for our full evaluation criteria.
20% of Overall Score
First, we not only looked at whether or not each software offers a plan option of less than $100 monthly, but also compared each provider’s pricing and available features. Then, we looked for plans that include unlimited user logins and transactions. We also looked for systems that can be self-installed or offered optional on-site installation services. Finally, we gave points to systems with integrated payment processing because we find it’s a more user-friendly and economical option for small businesses and awarded bonus points for systems that offer volume processing discounts.
30% of Overall Score
We looked for systems that support both in-person and—where legally permitted—online liquor sales. We rewarded systems that accept contactless and gift card payments and have loyalty and age verification tools.
20% of Overall Score
Inventory tools were a significant consideration here. We looked for systems that offer real-time inventory tracking and case-break and bottle deposit tools. We also considered each system’s timekeeping and payroll reporting functions as well as email marketing and customer relationship management (CRM) tools.
10% of Overall Score
Because liquor stores can experience high staff turnover, we looked for systems that are easy to use and come with 24/7 customer support. We awarded high marks to hybrid systems that can run without internet access while allowing cloud access to reporting dashboards and other administrative tools.
20% of Overall Score
Finally, we considered each POS system’s standout features and whether the software and hardware options offer a good overall value for the price. We also judged each system’s popularity among liquor store owners and awarded points based on our personal experience interacting with the software and the company’s customer support.
This liquor store POS ranking features the expertise of three POS experts—Mary King, Anna Lynn Dizon, and Meaghan Brophy. Combined, they share more than 15 years of retail and POS experience.
Mary King has more than 14 years of experience using POS systems in real-world small businesses and more than three years evaluating small business retail and restaurant software. | |
Anna Dizon is a retail expert writer with more than five years of experience evaluating POS and payments tools for small businesses. She holds degrees in accountancy and financial management. | |
Meaghan Brophy has 10-plus years of retail experience, during which she has operated a variety of cash registers and POS systems in different settings and applications. Since working in retail, Meaghan has more than seven years of experience writing for retailers and four years of experience evaluating POS systems.
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Bottom Line
Choosing a liquor store POS system involves more than having the tools to ring in sales at the most affordable price point. Liquor store shop owners require efficient inventory control and sales management tools unique to their industry.
KORONA received the highest score across our grading system for its liquor store checkout and management features. This affordable, cloud-based POS also earned high marks for its targeted industry ecommerce integrations and flexible payment processing. With no long-term contracts and the chance to use existing hardware, KORONA is also a low-risk investment. To see if this user-friendly POS is a fit for your liquor store, visit KORONA for an unlimited free trial and a personalized demo.