The Best Two-Way Radios for Liquor Stores
If you go out and buy the first radio that you see for your team, you might be in for a rude awakening. Static, poor battery life, messages that sound like a drive-through speaker...
That’s why you need a quality radio tailored to your store, and we’ve got you covered!
We don't want you to buy any radio just because you like the name or the price. We want you to make an educated decision and purchase the perfect radio within the scope of your needs, staff, and location.
We’ve sold thousands of radios and have compiled all that knowledge right here in this brief guide.
What do you need in a walkie talkie for liquor stores?
The line at the register is ten customers deep... A customer is asking for a specific bourbon, but no one’s sure if it’s in the back or just out of stock.
The clerk behind the counter can’t leave, and the only floor employee is busy helping someone compare tequila brands...
Meanwhile, a delivery just pulled up and there’s no one to unload it. Everyone needs something—and no one’s talking to each other.
These are all common issues in a liquor store - and they can easily be solved with clear, quality two-way radios.
Let's walk through some important components when comparing radios.
Coverage Considerations
When choosing two-way radios for your store, it is important to match radio power and coverage of your building size and layout.
Selecting a radio that is too powerful for your needs can lead to overpaying, while choosing one with insufficient coverage may result in poor quality and dead zones.
For small liquor stores, 1 to 2 watts of power will do the trick - you can get from 100k - 200k sqft of coverage.
Larger liquor stores (or multiple buildings), covering up to 350,000 square feet, require more powerful radios in the 3-4 watt range on analog (or 1 watt on digital) that can transmit clearly through walls and across larger distances.
You also need to take obstructions and building materials into account. If you have thick concrete walls, it may be necessary to go 1-watt stronger.
For unlimited coverage, across multiple locations, consider radios that use LTE and Wi-Fi, like the Motorola WAVE PTX series.
Number of Channels Needed
Channels help segment team conversations, to simplify radio chatter.
Easy breezy. That’s concise and direct communication.
Channels can also be used to set up private conversations: “Sarah, call Tom on channel two.”
Sarah and Tom can then have an in-depth conversation over the radio without bothering the rest of the staff.
Quality Brands Make a Difference
You need a radio that is not going to fall apart within a year. You need one that will last so you’re not throwing away money.
Motorola and Kenwood two-way Radios are the most quality brands on the market because they are purpose-built for reliable communication with a durable build.
Designed to be easy to use and intuitive their radio series are affordable, cost-effective and eliminate monthly cell phone plans.
Tested for 5 years of field use, Motorola and Kenwood make sure you see a return on your investment.
Not to mention the included manufacturer warranty (1-3 years depending on model).
What features make a great liquor store radio?
Clear Audio Quality: Loud, crisp sound ensures staff can hear messages even with background noise from customers, music, or delivery trucks.
Long Battery Life: Radios should last a full shift (or longer) without needing a charge—especially important for stores with long hours or late-night shifts.
Durability: A liquor store can be fast-paced with drops or spills. Look for radios that are impact-resistant and built to handle wear and tear.
Lightweight & Compact Design: Staff need to move quickly and comfortably—radios should be easy to clip on and not get in the way.
Privacy Codes / Interference Protection: Prevents interference from nearby businesses using radios—especially important in busy shopping areas.
Hands-Free or Earpiece Compatible: Keeps hands free for scanning items, stocking shelves, or helping customers without fumbling for the radio.
Easy-to-Use Interface: Staff of all experience levels should be able to use the radios without a learning curve.
Our Top Two-Way Radio Picks for Liquor Stores
To help you with your selection, we've highlighted several different models below that are perfect for liquor stores of every size.
These recommendations come from our own experience working with thousands of these radios. Each one has a rock-solid history and great reputation.
Small Stores
For typical _ layouts, you’ll want a compact and lightweight radio that is discreet and easy to carry. Offering modest power and 1 to a handful of channels, you will have enough groups to keep operations running smoothly.
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User-friendly with reliable coverage and extended battery life.
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The Motorola CLS1110 is a 1-channel radio that is perfect for a smaller staff.
With only one channel, everyone will have to communicate on the main channel along with everyone else. However, this is the least expensive option on our list.
Much like the CLS1410, this is a UHF radio with both vibracall technology and audible call alerts. It also has a keypad lockout security feature to prevent unauthorized use.
The lithium-ion battery gets a whopping 18-hour lifespan.
And when it comes to privacy, you have 83 digital and 38 analog private lines along with 121 interference eliminator codes and 56 business exclusive frequencies.
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Lightweight, discreet, and hands-free with excellent audio clarity.
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The Motorola CLPe series has the distinction of being the smallest and lightest series on our list at only 2.38 ounces. The Motorola CLP1080e is the most advanced CLPe radio that we carry.
By advanced, we mean that this radio has eight channels to segment a mid-size staff (or there is a 1 channel version)..
It’s a UHF radio that works really well both indoors and outside with a 10 floor indoor range and one mile outdoors.
This series comes with a discreet earpiece and belt holster and fits perfectly on most uniforms.
The 1080e has a 12-hour battery life and is simple to use thanks to the large central PTT button.
Antimicrobial properties are included in the casing for disease control, so germs aren’t going to spread.
This device is also repeater capable in case you need to double its range.
Honorable Mention
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Larger Liquor Stores - Multiple Buildings
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Advanced digital technology for clear audio and extended coverage.
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The Motorola Curve is another popular option...
This is a radio that will work well with a larger staff. It has 10 channels to choose from, making it ideal for a big stores with multiple teams.
The Curve will also save you money in the long run. Because it operates on a digital band, you won't have to worry about paying any pesky FCC licensing fees.
While larger than the CLPe series, this device is still lightweight at only 4.2 ounces. It covers up to 20 floors or 300,000 square feet of range.
The Call Button compatibility can improve customer service with quick response times.
When it comes to protecting confidential information, the Curve has you covered with Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum technology and 10,000 different privacy codes.
Another great and beneficial feature of this device is its Page All and Call All Available functions. This allows you to reach out to the entire staff at once, and it is ideal in an emergency.
On the other side of the coin, there is also a Direct Call feature that allows you to contact just one person with sensitive information.
This device is going to be able to handle even the longest shift with a 14-Hour battery life. That's all thanks to the rechargeable lithium-ion battery that it comes with.
This is another two-way radio that has an anti-microbial coating to curb the spread of bacteria.
Best Nationwide Coverage (LTE & Wi-Fi Enabled)
Need to stay in touch with delivery drivers? Want to quickly check stock at another store?
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Ideal for operations across multiple locations, cities or states.
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Request a Quote for Bulk Purchases
Need to equip your team? We want to help!
Make sure to request a quote for our best possible pricing.
We are here for you!
If you have any questions on which radio is right for your store – do not hesitate to reach out to our support team.
We have a very knowledgeable staff with over 25 years of experience in the two-way radio industry that can answer all your questions.
You can’t get rid of us that easily after purchase - we include lifetime tech support to be there for you every step of the way!