The California Type 47 liquor license allows full-service restaurants to serve beer, wine, and spirits on-site. At least 51% of sales must come from food to ensure a dining focus. Off-sale of hard liquor is prohibited, but beer and wine can be sold in sealed containers. The California ABC regulates these licenses for legitimate alcohol service.
The California Type 47 liquor license is designed for full-service restaurants. This license allows them to serve beer, wine, and spirits on-site (full liquor). To qualify, at least 51% of sales must come from food. This ensures that the venue focuses on dining rather than just serving alcohol. Alcoholic beverages can only be sold and consumed within the licensed premises. Off-sale of hard liquor, like selling sealed bottles for off-premises consumption, is not permitted, but the off-sale of beer and wine (in sealed containers) is permitted. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) oversees the issuance of these licenses. They are essential for eateries and bars that want to serve alcohol legitimately. Establishments must maintain a bona fide eating place, ensuring food sales surpass alcohol sales in dollar amount.
The Type 47 license is for restaurants where food is the main draw for customers. The Type 48 license caters to bars and nightclubs where food service is not required. Here’s a breakdown of key differences:
| Feature | Type 47 License | Type 48 License |
|---|---|---|
|
Main Use |
Full-service restaurants with significant food sales |
Bars and nightclubs with no food sale requirement |
|
Alcohol Sales |
On-site (with food), and can sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption |
On-site, and can sell beer and wine for off-premises consumption |
|
Age Restriction |
None (all ages) |
Only 21 and over can enter |
|
Food Sale Requirement |
Must comprise 51% of sales |
None |
|
Operating Hours |
Focus on food service timing |
Alcohol sales often until 2:00 AM |
The Type 48 liquor license allows for alcohol sales until late night. Minors are strictly prohibited in Type 48 venues, while Type 47 places allow all ages as a family-friendly environment. This distinction between these two license is vital for business owners to consider when choosing the right license type for their business.
The Type 47 and Type 48 liquor licenses in California cater to different establishments. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Type | Establishment | Food Requirement | Age Restriction | Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
47 |
Full-Service Restaurants |
Must generate 51% of gross sales from food |
No age restriction for entry |
On and off-premises |
|
48 |
Bars and Nightclubs |
No food requirement |
21 and over only |
On and off-premises |
Type 47 License:
Type 48 License:
In summary, while Type 47 emphasizes food service with alcohol on-site, Type 48 focuses on bars and nightclubs with broader alcohol consumption and sales options.
To apply for a California Type 47 liquor license, applicants need to meet several criteria. Firstly, the applicant must be at least 21 years old. It is also required that the establishment qualifies as a bona fide eating place. This involves generating at least 51% of gross sales from food. Additionally, the application must include documentation such as proof of funds, which can include bank statements and financial statements. A Public Notice of Application must be displayed at the establishment for the first thirty days to inform the public of the intent to secure a liquor license. The application process entails an investigation by the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to check for any red flags and ensure compliance with local zoning laws.
Establishments seeking a Type 47 liquor license must adhere to specific premises requirements. The requirement of generating 51% of gross sales from food underscores the necessity of being a “bona fide eating place.” This means that facilities, including a suitable kitchen, must be equipped to prepare meals for consumption. Compliance with zoning laws is crucial, as these laws influence the type of liquor license obtainable and can vary by city or county. The Type 47 license permits the holder to sell beer, wine, liquor, and spirits on-premises. Therefore, establishments must ensure their facilities meet state and local requirements to avoid issues during the application process.
The Type 47 license is essential for full-service restaurants in California that wish to serve beer, wine, and spirits for consumption on the premises. To start, call your a local liquor license broker like Liquor Licensors for guidance on the application process and necessary documents. Your establishment must qualify as a “bona fide eating place,” meaning at least 51% of your gross sales must come from food.
Gather all necessary documents before you apply. You need proof of lease or ownership of your venue. A zoning permit, known as a Condition Use Permit (CUP), may be required. Ensure you are over 21, providing valid ID. Financial proof of funds, such as bank statements, is also needed. Remember, all application materials must be submitted in person or by mail to your local ABC district office as there is no online option.
When submitting your application, include fingerprints for background checks. You’ll need proof of citizenship or legal residency, along with any business licenses or permits. Once accepted, post a public notice at your venue for 30 days to inform the community. Prepare for a potential public hearing if there are protests against your application. The process includes filing, notifications, an investigation, a review, and finally, license issuance if uncontested.
The typical process takes 90 to 120 days. However, complications like construction delays, document errors, or state liens can extend it to 175 days or more. It’s best to start the application process 4-6 months before your planned opening to accommodate potential delays. City or county planning approval is required before the ABC reviews your application, possibly extending the timeline further. We can help you do a feasibility study for free.
Stay informed and organized during the application process, and consult with relevant authorities to smooth the way to obtaining your Type 47 liquor license; this is what we specialize in.
A Type 47 liquor license allows full-service restaurants to sell beer, wine, and spirits for consumption on premises. This license restricts any off-site sales. To obtain and maintain this license, the establishment must be a bona fide eating place. This means at least 51% of their sales should come from food. Alcohol sales can only happen alongside meal service. There are also location restrictions. Licensed premises must not be too close to schools or churches, ask your local ABC or liquor license broker about these restrictions.
Each year, business owners must renew their Type 47 license. This includes paying annual license fees to stay compliant with state regulations.
In California, getting a liquor license requires following federal and local rules, checked during the ABC final inspection. Businesses must let the public know they are applying for a liquor license. This notification will involve posting a sign (30 day posting) or publishing in newspapers. The Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Department checks for public nuisance risks and zoning law breaches before license approval.
To avoid future violations, establishments can use advanced Point of Sale (POS) systems. These systems help with age verification and tracking inventory. Monitoring alcohol sales patterns regularly ensures they are incidental to food sales in qualified places.
Many states require responsible beverage server training courses for those applying for a liquor license. Having well-trained staff is key to following liquor laws. This helps prevent license denial or revocation. Trained staff can reduce excessive complaints that may threaten a liquor license.
Training will help ensure your employees understand all the regulations and best practices. Time invested in training improves the licensing process and enhances the establishment’s reputation and authority so you can ensure you keep your liquor license.
A Type 47 liquor license in California is tailored for businesses like restaurants. This alcohol permit allows for the sale of beer, wine, and spirits for consumption on the licensed premises. This liquor license is a significant investment due to its broad scope and can involve various costs in different stages.
To apply for a Type 47 license in California, business owners have specific fees to pay. As of January 1, 2023 if you are entering the liquor license lottery, the general inter-county application fee is $6,160 which allows you to buy a the cheapest Type 47 liquor license in the state (typically $25-35k). For the priority original application, it jumps to $18,635. These fees are part of the annual liquor license lottery. Additional expenses might arise during the application or transfer process. Transfer fees can range from $120 to $1,470 for person-to-person and $120 to $1,550 for premise-to-premise. Non-general licenses, like the Type 41 license, have application fees starting at $905.
The Type 47 license demands yearly renewal. Failure to do so can mean losing the legal right to sell alcoholic beverages. The best way to describe a liquor license is that it is a privilege not a right, but like the government can take away your drivers license for breaking the law, the government can take away your liquor license for breaking the law as well. Fees for renewing a Type 47 license vary by city population, starting from $790 and going up to $1,550. This ensures that businesses keep pace with California’s alcohol sales laws and market demands.
Businesses must also anticipate other expenses related to a Type 47 license. The application process can last from 90 days to over a year. Therefore, it’s crucial to plan for the time and effort involved. Establishments are needed to comply with regulations, including ensuring staff are trained, which can add costs. Miscellaneous fees may include operating and fingerprinting charges. The overall investment for a Type 47 license is high, reflecting its extensive allowances for alcohol sales in California. Therefore, understanding these costs helps in your budgeting planning and also help ensure legal compliance.
Choosing the right liquor license is essential for any business planning to serve alcohol in California.
In California, liquor licenses fall into two categories: general and non-general. General licenses are versatile, allowing for the sale of various alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, and spirits. They cater to establishments offering a comprehensive beverage selection.
Popular liquor license types in California include:
