Retail Applications Originals and Transfers

Retail licenses are essential for businesses that plan on selling alcoholic beverages to consumers either for on-site or off-site consumption. However, the business cannot sell alcoholic beverages to any other business for resale purposes (B2B).

Retail license includes restaurants (Type-41/47); convenience stores and gas stations (Type-20/21) and bars (Type-40/42/48).

Furthermore, the licensee must comply with city/ county planning and zoning dept. Moreover, they might need additional permits such as conditional use permits or minor use permits.

Lastly, license issuance may depend on a public convenience or necessity (PCN) letter. For restaurants, the applicant drafts their own PCN letter, whereas applicants for the bars and convenience store must apply for PCN with the local governing body.

Below are some commonly applied for retail licenses.

Type: 40-On-Sale Beer

The bar/tavern license permits the sale of beer only for both consumption and off-premises. However, the sale of wine or distilled spirits is not permitted on the premises. While full meals are not required, the establishment must offer sandwiches or snacks. Additionally, minors are allowed to be present on the premises.

Type: 41: On-Sale Beer & Wine Eating Place

The restaurant license permits the sale of beer and wine for both consumption and takeout. However, the sale of distilled spirits is restricted, except for brandy, rum, or liqueurs used exclusively for cooking. Firstly, the establishment must function primarily as a restaurant, with significant meal sales during standard meal hours. Secondly, the focus should be on food sales rather than alcohol, and suitable kitchen facilities must be maintained. Finally, minors are allowed on the premises.

Type: 42- On-Sale Beer & Wine Public Premises

A California Type 42 Liquor License is a retail “On-Sale Beer and Wine – Public Premises” license issued by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). It allows bars, taverns, and nightclubs to sell beer and wine for on-site consumption, but prohibits minors from entering the premises

Type: 47: On-Sale General Eating Place

The restaurant license enables the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits for on-site comsumption. Additionally, it allows beer and wine sales for onsite and off-site consumption as well. To maintain this license, the establishment must operate primarily as a restaurant, with substantial meal sales during standard meal hours.

Additionally, the emphasis should be on food sales rather than alcohol, and the establishment must maintain suitable kitchen facilities.

Moreover, minors are permitted on the premises as well. Finally, original licenses must be purchased on the market or via the lottery system, held once a year.

Type: 48 On-Sale General Public Premises:

Issued to bars and nightclubs, Type-48 license permits the sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits for on-premises consumption. Additionally, minors are generally not permitted to enter or remain on the premises, with exceptions outlined in BPC § 25663.5, such as for musicians. Moreover, food service is not obligatory. Notably, the Type 48 license cannot be directly applied for; however, it can be acquired through purchasing, exchanging for a Type 47 license or the ABC lottery system.

Type 20 - Off-Sale Beer & Wine License

A California Type 20 – Off-Sale Beer & Wine License allows businesses to sell beer, wine, and malt beverages in original, sealed containers for consumption off the licensed premises. This license does not permit the sale of distilled spirits or hard liquor. It is commonly used by convenience stores, grocery stores, markets, specialty food stores, and neighborhood package stores. Minors are permitted on the premises because alcohol is not consumed on-site.

ABC Liquor License Experts can assist with:

Type 21 - Off-Sale General Liquor License

A California Type 21 – Off-Sale General Liquor License allows businesses to sell beer, wine, and distilled spirits (hard liquor) in original, sealed containers for consumption off the licensed premises. This license is commonly issued to liquor stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty retail establishments that wish to offer a full selection of alcoholic beverages. Type 21 licenses are quota-based in California and can be limited in availability depending on the county.