7.8.2024 — Selling a liquor license in California will involve several steps and considerations.
License Type: Determine the type of liquor license you have. In California, liquor licenses are issued by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). There are various types of licenses depending on the type of establishment (e.g., restaurant, bar, liquor store) and the kind of alcohol being sold (e.g., beer and wine, distilled spirits).
Market Value: Research the market value of liquor licenses in your area. Prices can vary significantly depending on factors such as location, demand, and license type.
Transferability: Check if your license is transferable. Not all liquor licenses can be sold or transferred, so it's essential to verify this with the ABC.
Compliance: Ensure that your establishment is compliant with all ABC regulations and requirements. This includes maintaining a clean record of any violations and ensuring that all fees and taxes are up to date.
Find a Buyer: Advertise the sale of your liquor license. You can use various channels such as online listings, classified ads, or hiring a broker who specializes in liquor license sales.
Negotiation and Sale: Once you find a potential buyer, negotiate the terms of the sale, including the price and any conditions of the transfer. The buyer will need to submit an application to the ABC for approval.
Transfer Process: Work with the buyer to complete the transfer paperwork and submit it to the ABC. The ABC will review the application and may conduct an investigation before approving the transfer.
Finalize the Sale: Once the transfer is approved by the ABC, finalize the sale by transferring the license to the buyer and receiving payment.
Notify Authorities: After the sale is completed, notify the ABC and any other relevant authorities of the change in ownership.
It's recommended to consult with Liquor License Auctioneers who are experienced in liquor license sales throughout California to ensure that you follow all necessary steps and comply with regulations throughout the process.
Russell Bloom is a former ABC Investigator, who is familiar with all the liquor licensing rules and regulations in California.
Russell Bloom
President
www.LiquorLicenseAuctioneers.com
1.818.345.2226