Getting a liquor license for your restaurant, bar, or convenience store is expensive, complicated, and takes time.

Permit Advisors will explain piece-by-piece the process to make it easier for you begin the process from a knowledgeable standpoint. As always, before we begin we advise you to get a solutions firm on your team before attempting to get a liquor license. Call us and we will set up a consultation to help you get a feel for what will be needed with your project.

The Types of Liquor Licenses

Did you know there are a dozen different types of liquor licenses available to you? Some are for beer and wine only, some are beer, wine, and liquor. While others are for just beer and wine in a restaurant setting, and still others are for just off-site consumption. It can be tricky to decide which one is right for you, as you most likely are thinking “I’ll get whatever type allows me to open up my business the quickest.” However, this can be the kiss of death to your concept. My advice? Pay careful attention to the what your business needs. Make a list of things, for example:

  • I want people to drink beer and wine out on the patio.
  • I want families to be at my restaurant.
  • I am opening a bar and will only be serving appetizers
  • I will be serving full-course meals and desserts
  • I want liquors to be available and have a dance floor in the middle of the business

You get the picture. If you are opening a restaurant, detail what kinds of beer, wine, distilled liquors you are going to serve to your customers. Outline if it is a family friendly place or if it is not.

Hopefully, you compiled your list. Now, let’s get the nitty gritty of the different license types. In this article we will explain the most common types of liquor licenses we run across this is not, however, an exhaustive list of all liquor licenses available.

Liquor License Type 40 “On Sale Beer for bar or tavern.”

“Authorizes the sale of beer for consumption on or off the premises where sold. No wine or distilled spirit may be on the premises. Full meals are not required; however, sandwhiches or snacks must be available. Minors are allowed on the premises.” (California ABC, http://www.abc.ca.gov/permits/permits.html). In other words, you can serve beer at a sandwich or burger joint and bring the kids.

Liquor License Type 41 “On Sale Beer and Wine for eating place (restaurant).”

“Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for consumption on or off the premises where sold. Distilled psirits may not be on the premises (except brandy, rum, or liquers for use solely for cooking purposes). Must operate and maintain the licensed premises as a bona fide eating place. Must maintain suitable kitchen facilities, and must make actual and substantial sales of meals for consumption on the premises. Minors are allowed on the premises.” (California ABC, http://www.abc.ca.gov/permits/permits.html). This is everyone’s license type of choice as it is pretty comprehensive of most family-friendly restaurant concepts.

Liquor License Type 42 “On Sale Beer and Wine for Public Premises (bar or tavern).”

Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for consumption on or off the premises where sold. No distilled spirits may be on the premises. Minors are not allowed to enter and remain. Food service is not required.” (California ABC, http://www.abc.ca.gov/permits/permits.html). This is your garden-variety bar. This license won’t allow minors to enter and remain, however there is an exception made for musicians.

Liquor License Type 47 “On Sale General-Eating Place (restaurant).”

Authorizes the sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirit for consumption on the licenses premises. Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for consumption off the license premises. Must operating and maintain the license premises as a bona fide eating place. Must maintain suitable kitchen facilities, and must make actual and substantial sales of meals for consumption on the premises. Minors are allowed on the premises.” (California ABC, http://www.abc.ca.gov/permits/permits.html). This is a full alcohol serving restaurant and still allows for minors, another favorite for restaurantuers.

Liquor License Type 48 “On Sale General-Public Premises (bar or night club).”

“Authorizes the sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises where sold. Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for consumption off the premises where sold. Minors are not allowed to enter and remain. Food service is not required.” (California ABC, http://www.abc.ca.gov/permits/permits.html).

Liquor License Type 75 “On Sale General-Brewpub (restaurant).”

“Authorizes the sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits for consumption on a bona fide eating place plus a limited amount of brewing of beer. This license does not authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption off the premises where sold. Minors are allowed on the premises.” (California ABC, http://www.abc.ca.gov/permits/permits.html).

This is a short list of the most common restaurant types of liquor licenses. For more liquor license types and technical information go to California Alcohol and Beverage Control website at http://www.abc.ca.gov/permits/permits.html. In the next article we will explain the different processes by which you can obtain a license. Call us for a consultation for your concept!

About Us: Permit Advisors Inc is a nationwide permit expediting, entitlement, and consulting firm based out of Beverly HIlls, CA. We have established relationships with municipalities nation-wide and implement time as well as cost saving strategies to efficiently complete projects. We provide a project management team to ensure every aspect of the project is given specific attention while maintaining open communication between the jurisdiction, consultants, and our clients. We serve retailers, architects, landlords, tenant coordinators, contractors and franchisees nationwide in the hotel, retail, restaurant, mixed-use, multifamily, entertainment, grocery, and logistical plant development industries. Contact us today for a consultation at www.permitadvisors.com.