How to get a beer and wine license in California? If you are looking to open a bar or restaurant in California, you will need to obtain a beer and wine license. This can be a complicated process, but we will walk you through it step-by-step.
In this article, we will discuss the requirements for How to get a beer and wine license in California, apply for one, and the fees involved. Let’s get started!
How To Get A Beer And Wine License in California?
To get a beer and wine license in California, you must first apply for a license from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). The ABC is responsible for issuing licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages in the state.
Here are the steps on How To Get A Beer And Wine License in California. Make sure to check them out.
Choose License Type
The first step in applying for a license is to determine which type of license you need. There are two types of licenses that allow the sale of beer and wine:
On-Premises License: This type of license allows businesses to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises. Examples of businesses that need an on-premises license include bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.
Off-Premises License: This type of license allows businesses to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises. Examples of businesses that need an off-premises license include grocery stores, liquor stores, and convenience stores.
Complete Application
Once you have determined which type of license you need, you can begin the application process. The ABC offers an online application system that allows applicants to complete and submit their applications electronically.
- You will need to provide the following information when completing your application:
- The name, address, and contact information of the business
- The type of business (e.g., bar, restaurant, grocery store)
- The proposed hours of operation
- The names of all owners, partners, and officers of the business
- A description of the business premises
- The type of license you are applying for
Pay Application Fee
After you have completed and submitted your application, you will need to pay the application fee. The fee for an on-premises license is $100 and the fee for an off-premises license is $50. Payment can be made by credit card, money order, or cashier’s check.
Submit Fingerprints
As part of the application process, you will also need to submit fingerprints for a background check. The ABC will use your fingerprints to conduct a criminal history check. You can have your fingerprints taken at any live scan location.
The cost of fingerprinting is $49 per person.
Schedule Inspection
Once your application has been processed and you have paid the required fees, an ABC inspector will schedule an inspection of your premises. The inspection is conducted to ensure that your business meets all of the requirements for a license.
Some of the things that the inspector will look for include:
- The location of the business (it must be in a commercial zone)
- The size of the business (it must be large enough to accommodate the proposed alcohol sales)
- The type of business (it must be an eligible business, such as a bar, restaurant, or grocery store)
- The security of the premises (there must be adequate security to prevent underage drinking and disorderly conduct)
- If you pass the inspection, the ABC will issue you a license. The license will be valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
- The cost of renewing an on-premises license is $100 and the cost of renewing an off-premises license is $50.
How Much Does A Liquor License Cost?
Once you have done with the method of how to get a beer and wine license in California, then let us have a look on the cost of the liquor license. The cost of a liquor license depends on the type of license you need and the county in which your business is located.
On-Premises License: The cost of an on-premises liquor license ranges from $700 to $13,000.
Off-Premises License: The cost of an off-premises liquor license ranges from $200 to $13,000.
County Fee: In addition to the state fee, you will also need to pay a county fee. The cost of the county fee ranges from $50 to $500.
ABC License Renewal: The cost of renewing an ABC liquor license is $100 for an on-premises license and $50 for an off-premises license.
Live Scan Fingerprinting: The cost of fingerprinting is $49 per person.
Schedule Inspection: There is no fee for the ABC inspection. However, you may need to pay a fee to the city or county in which your business is located. The cost of the inspection fee ranges from $50 to $200.
Liquor License Bond: You may also need to purchase a liquor license bond. The cost of the bond ranges from $500 to $5000.
As you can see, the cost of a liquor license can vary depending on the type of license you need and the county in which your business is located. It is important to contact the ABC and your local county office to find out the specific cost of a liquor license in your area.
Conclusion
We hope this article about how to get a beer and wine license in California has been helpful in explaining the process and what is required. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We are always happy to help! For more related updates do visit our Chillbeer website.