Guide to Purchasing a Type 47 Liquor License in California

GUIDE TO PURCHASING A TYPE 47 LIQUOR LICENSE IN CALIFORNIA

A Comprehensive Guide to Purchasing a Type 47 Liquor License in California

If you’re a California restaurateur seeking to enhance your business by serving distilled spirits, you need a Type 47 liquor license. This license, administered by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), allows restaurants to sell beer, wine, and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises. Here, we guide you through the process of obtaining this license in California.

Step 1: Understanding the Type 47 License

The Type 47 license is specifically designated for bona fide public eating places, meaning restaurants that regularly serve meals, and its primary business and purpose is to serve food. The sale of alcoholic beverages is a secondary function. Thus, your business model should reflect this requirement to qualify for this license. It also allows for sales and consumption on your premises.

Step 2: Evaluate Availability

Before you are able to begin with the application process, you will need to check the availability of Type 47 licenses in your county. California limits the number of these licenses based on a county’s population, so new licenses are often unavailable. If new licenses are unavailable, you may have to purchase one from an existing licensee willing to sell, which will involve negotiating a price and transferring the license. After identifying a license for sale, escrow will need to be opened to handle the sale/purchase of the liquor license.

Step 3: Start the Application Process

Once you have successfully opened escrow for your liquor license, you are now ready to complete an application packet from the California ABC’s website to transfer the ownership of the liquor license. The packet includes several forms that require detailed information about your business, such as your financial sources, business model, and local zoning laws.

Step 4: Notice of Intent

As part of the application, you must post a notice at your business premises for 30 days to inform the public about your intent to sell alcohol. This notice may also be required to be published in a local newspaper. This process gives any concerned parties the opportunity to file objections against your application.

Step 5: Background Check

The ABC requires a thorough background check for all applicants. This includes fingerprinting all parties involved in the business. The FBI and the California Department of Justice will review these fingerprints.

Step 6: Prepare for Costs

Application fees for a Type 47 transfer are approximately $3,000 – Keep in mind these fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Additionally, operating with a Type 47 license requires yearly renewal fees.

Step 7: Wait for Approval

After submitting your application and fulfilling all other requirements, your application will be reviewed by ABC. This review process can take several months. If your application is approved, you will be able to serve beer, wine, and distilled spirits at your restaurant.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Type 47 license in California can be a complex process, but it’s a great opportunity to grow your restaurant business. With thorough preparation and understanding of the application process, you can navigate these steps and secure the license you need. Always consider consulting with one of our experienced Liquor License Agents to ensure you meet all the requirements accurately and efficiently.

Type 20 & 21 Liquor
License

Both Type 20 and Type 21 licenses are designated for the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption. Minors are allowed on the premises of businesses that are issued this type of license. The Type 20 license is issued for the sale of packaged beer and wine, while the Type 21 is designated for the sale of general packaged alcohol, including spirits and liquor.

Type 41 & 47 Liquor
License

Probably some of the most common types of liquor licenses, the Type 41 and Type 47 licenses are specifically designated for businesses that primarily serve food. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control states that, in order to be issued a Type 41 or Type 47 license, your facility must be a “bona fide eating place.” 51% of the total sales should come from food.

Type 48 Liquor
License

Type 48 licenses differ from Type 41 and Type 47 licenses as they are used in establishments that are not primarily eateries. Type 48 Licenses are typically issued for bars and nightclubs. The Type 48 license permits the holder to serve liquor until 2:00 AM. Unique to this license, the Type 48 allows closed containers of beer or wine to be sold for “off-premises” consumption.

Alameda County Liquor License Facts

Obtaining a liquor license in Alameda can take up to four months. Keep in mind that doing the work yourself can make an even longer process. Once we have finished the application, there will be a given period of time to allow any resident or establishment in the vicinity to file a complaint regarding your anticipated serving of liquor. This will be a 30-day wait. Now, if there is somebody who does file a complaint, the ABC will conduct a thorough check on the individual or establishment, as well as on your business and community, before making a decision.

This is just one of the reasons why hiring a professional license agent can help your case. You’ll end up with less stress and less worries, while you concentrate on building your brand and business. Our team can help you make your liquor selling legitimate and proper, so that you will encounter zero problems along the way. For any questions or concerns regarding liquor licensing in Alameda, please contact us and we’ll tend to your issues right away.