California Type 75 On-Sale General Brewpub License
Licensing For Restaurant Breweries And Brewpub Concepts
California diners increasingly seek out brewpubs, where they can enjoy fresh beer brewed on site along with full bar service and a complete menu. The Type 75 On-Sale General Brewpub License was designed for these concepts.
This license is issued to bona fide eating places that serve beer, wine, and spirits, and also brew a limited amount of beer at the restaurant.
What A Type 75 License Allows
With a Type 75 license, a California brewpub can typically:
- Operate a restaurant with beer, wine, and cocktail service
- Brew beer on the licensed premises within ABC production limits for brewpubs
- Sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption, within applicable rules
- Admit families and minors as with other restaurant licenses, while maintaining responsible alcohol service
The intent is to integrate brewing into a restaurant environment, not to operate a separate manufacturing plant.
When Type 75 Is A Good Fit
Type 75 is often right for:
- Restaurant operators who want to brew house beer on site
- Hospitality groups that want a full bar plus a visible brewery as part of the guest experience
- Locations where a restaurant concept with a bar fits better than a standalone brewery or bar
How Liquor License Agents Supports Type 75 Projects
Brewpubs involve overlapping regulatory layers. Liquor License Agents helps by:
- Evaluating whether Type 75 is the best license or if a separate manufacturer license plus restaurant license is more appropriate
- Coordinating ABC licensing, federal TTB brewer approvals, and local building and health permits
- Assisting with license transfers when converting an existing restaurant into a brewpub
- Providing guidance on future changes, such as expansions or ownership transitions
California Type 75 FAQs
1. Do I need federal brewery approval if I have a Type 75 license?
Yes. Brewing beer requires TTB brewer permits and ongoing federal compliance, even when production is integrated into a restaurant.
2. Can I distribute my brewpub beer to other locations in California?
Some distribution may be allowed, but Type 75 is primarily structured around on-site restaurant sales. If your business plan includes broader distribution, we will review whether additional licensing is needed.
3. Are minors allowed in a Type 75 brewpub?
Yes. Because the license is associated with a bona fide eating place, families with minors may dine at your brewpub, subject to the same rules that apply to other restaurants.
4. How early should I address licensing in a new brewpub project?
Licensing should be part of the initial planning. It is best to address ABC and TTB requirements while architectural and mechanical plans are still being developed.
5. Can an existing restaurant upgrade to a Type 75 brewpub license?
In many cases, yes. Conversion projects may involve equipment installation, federal approvals, and license modification. We help map out the steps and timeline.
If you are considering a brewpub or restaurant brewery anywhere in California, contact Liquor License Agents to discuss whether a Type 75 On-Sale General Brewpub License is the right structure.