What does it mean that selling alcohol is a 'privilege, not a right'?

Selling alcohol is a privilege granted through a license issued by the state alcohol authority, and that privilege carries legal responsibilities. Because it is a privilege rather than a right, the license can be suspended or revoked if laws are violated — for example, by selling to minors or intoxicated persons. Servers and sellers act under the establishment's license, so their conduct directly affects whether the business keeps its ability to sell alcohol. Understanding this principle frames why responsible service rules are taken so seriously.