How much is a Liquor License In California?
The following California liquor licenses must be purchased on the open market from a private seller.
Type 47: Full Liquor License for Restaurants.
Type 48: Full Liquor License for Bars, Clubs and Taverns.
Type 21: Full Liquor License for Liquor Stores, Grocery Stores, Package Stores and Convenience Stores.
Type 20: Beer and Wine Licenses for Grocery Stores, Package Stores and Convenience Stores. There is an exception regarding type 20 beer and wine licenses, which in many areas of California can still be purchased/applied for directly from the California, Department of ABC.
If your business is located in a “moratorium” area (Licenses are no longer available from the Department of ABC), you will need to purchase a license from a private seller on the open market. A “New Law” with the Department of ABC now allows most type 20 licenses to be moved from county to county, unless your zoning/planning department does not allow a transfer into your county.
Liquor License prices vary drastically from county to county in California. The most expensive liquor licenses are “Full Liquor Licenses” and can range in price from $3,000 and as high as $375,000, with beer and wine, type 20 licenses being as low a $2,000.
The cost of a liquor license is determined by the following:
* The county you would like to open your business in.
* The type of license you want to secure (47, 48, 20 or 21).
Like the stock market, liquor license prices are based on supply and demand.
