Overview
MCC 5813 covers drinking establishments including bars, pubs, taverns, nightclubs, cocktail lounges, and wine bars where alcoholic beverage sales are the primary revenue source. Food service may be secondary.
Transaction Profile
Low to mid value, high frequency, card-present dominant, contactless prevalent, tab-based billing creates tip tolerance needs, late-night peak trading
Card Network Notes
Standard interchange applies. Tip tolerance and tab completion processing should follow card network rules. Age verification at point of sale is a regulatory requirement.
Risk & Compliance
Medium risk. Age verification requirements apply universally. Late-night transactions carry higher fraud and dispute rates. Tab-based billing can lead to chargeback disputes over unrecognised or disputed charges. Alcohol-related regulations vary significantly by jurisdiction.