Summary: Understanding the cost of a liquor license in California depends on several factors. The type of license, such as those for beer and wine or full liquor licenses, must be considered. The cost varies by county and can range significantly. A liquor license in California is influenced by market demand and the specific requirements for each type of license. If you’re looking to obtain a liquor license in California, you must be aware of these variables to accurately estimate the cost and navigate the application process effectively.
How Much Is A Liquor License In California?
If you’re venturing into the world of alcohol sales in California, understanding the costs associated with obtaining a liquor license is crucial. The process can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, you can navigate it smoothly. In this article, we’ll break down the various fees involved in obtaining a liquor license in California and provide insight into how an Alcoholic Beverage Consulting Service can assist you.
Application Fees Overview
The journey towards acquiring a liquor license in California begins with application fees. These fees are charged when submitting an application for a new license or making changes to an existing one. They cover the costs of processing the application and conducting investigations into both the proposed licensed premises and the background of the applicant. It’s important to note that application fees are generally non-refundable.
The fees vary depending on the type of license and the privileges it provides. For instance, licenses that authorize the retail sale of all alcoholic beverages, known as “General” licenses, typically have higher fees. The availability of General licenses is limited and involves a process known as the “Priority” process, which occurs once per year through a public lottery administered by the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).
Single Application
In some cases, an applicant may require multiple licenses to conduct their proposed business. However, if an application includes multiple license types for the same premises and all license types are identified at the time of application, only one application fee (the highest one) will be charged. This streamlines the process and reduces unnecessary fees.
Annual Fees Overview
Once you’ve obtained your liquor license, you’ll face annual fees to keep it active. These fees are payable each year and are essential for maintaining your license. The amount you pay annually can vary based on factors such as production, population, or the operational duration of your business.
For example, winegrowers and wine blenders may pay fees based on the gallons they produce, while on-sale general licenses may be tiered according to the population of the city where the premises are located. Additionally, seasonal licenses, although no longer issued for new applicants, had fees that varied depending on the indicated operational months.
How Alcoholic Beverage Consulting Service Can Help
Navigating the complex landscape of liquor licensing in California can be overwhelming. That’s where an Alcoholic Beverage Consulting Service comes in. These services specialize in guiding business owners through the licensing process, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maximizing efficiency. From completing paperwork to understanding fee structures, a consulting service can provide invaluable support every step of the way.
Alcohol License California Cost: Understanding the Costs
While the costs of obtaining a liquor license in California may seem daunting, they’re a necessary investment for businesses in the alcohol industry. By understanding the various fees involved and seeking assistance from a consulting service, you can navigate the process with confidence. Remember, prices vary based on several factors, so it’s essential to do your research and consult experts to ensure a smooth licensing journey.
To provide you with a clearer picture, here’s a table summarizing the current fee structures:
| License Number and Description | No Population Restriction | Cities with Population Over 40,000 | Cities with Population Between 20,000 and 40,000 | Cities with Population Less than 20,000 and Unincorporated Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Beer Manufacturer 60,000+ barrels | $2,300 | |||
| 01 Beer Manufacturer 60,000+ barrels DUPLICATE | $530 | |||
| 02 Winegrower 0 to 5,000 Gallons | $145 | |||
| 02 Winegrower 5,001 to 20,000 Gallons | $205 | |||
| 02 Winegrower 20,001 to 100,000 Gallons | $400 | |||
| 02 Winegrower 100,001 to 200,000 Gallons | $470 | |||
| 02 Winegrower 200,001 to 1,000,000 Gallons | $665 | |||
| 02 Winegrower Each additional million or portion thereof | $460 | |||
| 02 Winegrower DUPLICATE | $205 | |||
| 03 Brandy Manufacturer | $665 | |||
| 03 Brandy Manufacturer DUPLICATE | $470 | |||
| 04 Distilled Spirits Manufacturer | $782 | |||
| 05 Distilled Spirits Manufacturer Agent | $782 | |||
| 06 Still | $145 | |||
| 07 Rectifier | $782 | |||
| 08 Wine Rectifier | $730 | |||
| 09 Beer & Wine Importer | $145 | |||
| 10 Beer & Wine Importer’s General | $665 | |||
| 11 Brandy Importer | $145 | |||
| 12 Distilled Spirits Importer | $145 | |||
| 13 Distilled Spirits Importer’s General | $782 | |||
| 14 Public Warehouse | $145 | |||
| 14 Public Warehouse DUPLICATE | $40 | |||
| 15 Customs Broker | $145 | |||
| 16 Wine Broker | $145 | |||
| 17 Beer & Wine Wholesaler | $470 | |||
| 18 Distilled Spirits Wholesaler | $782 | |||
| 19 Industrial Alcohol Dealer | $145 | |||
| 20 Off-Sale Beer & Wine | $470 | |||
| 21 Off-Sale General | $949 | |||
| 22 Wine Blender 0 to 5,000 Gallons | $145 | |||
| 22 Wine Blender 5,001 to 20,000 Gallons | $205 | |||
| 22 Wine Blender 20,001 to 100,000 Gallons | $400 | |||
| 22 Wine Blender 100,001 to 200,000 Gallons | $470 | |||
| 22 Wine Blender 200,001 to 1,000,000 Gallons | $665 | |||
| 22 Wine Blender Each additional million or portion thereof | $460 | |||
| 23 Small Beer Manufacturer 60,000 barrels or less | $470 | |||
| 23 Small Beer Manufacturer 60,000 barrels or less DUPLICATE | $275 | |||
| 24 Distilled Spirits Rectifiers General | $730 | |||
| 25 California Brandy Wholesaler | $730 | |||
| 26 Out-of-State Beer Manufacturer Certificate | $135 | |||
| 27 California Winegrowers Agent | $782 | |||
| 28 Out-of-State Distilled Spirits Shipper Certificate | $135 | |||
| 29 Winegrape Grower Storage | $135 | |||
| 40 On-Sale Beer | $470 | |||
| 41 On-Sale Beer & Wine Eating Place | $530 | |||
| 42 On-Sale Beer & Wine Pub Premises | $665 | |||
| 43 On-Sale Beer & Wine Train | $205 | |||
| 44 On-Sale Beer Fishing Party Boat | $205 | |||
| 45 On-Sale Beer & Wine Boat | $205 | |||
| 46 On-Sale Beer & Wine Airplane | $205 | |||
| 47 On-Sale General Eating Place | $1,450 | $1,185 | $925 | |
| 47 On-Sale General Eating Place DUPLICATE | $925 | $665 | $530 | |
| 48 On-Sale General Public Premises | $1,450 | $1,185 | $925 | |
| 48 On-Sale General Public Premises DUPLICATE | $925 | $665 | $530 | |
| 49 On-Sale General – Seasonal 3 Months | $400 | $275 | $205 | |
| 49 On-Sale General – Seasonal 6 Months | $800 | $530 | $470 | |
| 49 On-Sale General – Seasonal 9 Months | $1,185 | $800 | $665 | |
| 49 On-Sale General – Seasonal DUPLICATE 3 Months | $275 | $160 | $145 | |
| 49 On-Sale General – Seasonal DUPLICATE 6 Months | $530 | $315 | $275 | |
| 49 On-Sale General – Seasonal DUPLICATE 9 Months | $800 | $465 | $400 | |
| 50 On-Sale General – Club | $800 | $665 | $530 | |
| 51 Club | $800 | $665 | $530 | |
| 52 Veteran’s Club | $800 | $665 | $530 | |
| 53 On-Sale General Train | $400 | |||
| 53 On-Sale General Train DUPLICATE | $145 | |||
| 54 On-Sale General Boat | $800 | |||
| 55 On-Sale General Airplane | $800 | |||
| 55 On-Sale General Airplane DUPLICATE | $145 | |||
| 56 On-Sale General Vessel 1,000 ton | $400 | |||
| 56 On-Sale General Vessel 1,000 ton DUPLICATE | $145 | |||
| 57 Special On-Sale General | $1,450 | $1,185 | $925 | |
| 57 Special On-Sale General DUPLICATE | $925 | $665 | $530 | |
| 58 Caterer’s Permit | $275 | |||
| 58 Caterer’s Permit – Club | $1,450 | $1,185 | $925 | |
| 59 On-Sale Beer & Wine Seasonal 9 Months | $315 | |||
| 59 On-Sale Beer & Wine Seasonal 6 Months | $220 | |||
| 60 On-Sale Beer Seasonal 9 Months | $315 | |||
| 60 On-Sale Beer Seasonal 6 Months | $220 | |||
| 61 On-Sale Beer Public Premises | $470 | |||
| 62 On-Sale General Dockside | $925 | |||
| 63 On-Sale Special Beer & Wine Hospital | $145 | |||
| 64 Special On-Sale General Theatre | $925 | $665 | $530 | |
| 65 Special On-Sale Beer & Wine Symphony | $520 | |||
| 66 Controlled Access Cabinet | $949 | |||
| 67 On-Sale Wine Bed & Breakfast Inn | $10 (per room) | |||
| 68 Portable Bar | $925 | $665 | $530 | |
| 69 Special On-Sale Beer & Wine Theatre | $530 | |||
| 70 On-Sale General Restrictive Service | $1,450 | $1,185 | $925 | |
| 71 Special On-Sale General for profit Theater | $1,450 | $1,185 | $925 | |
| 71 Special On-Sale General for profit Theater DUPLICATE | $925 | $665 | $530 | |
| 72 Special On-Sale General for profit Theater, Napa | $1,450 | $1,185 | $925 | |
| 72 Special On-Sale General for profit Theater, Napa DUPLICATE | $925 | $665 | $530 | |
| 73 Special Non-Profit Sales | $205 | |||
| 74 Craft Distilled Spirits Manufacturer | $977 | |||
| 75 Brew Pub – Restaurant License | $1,450 | $1,185 | $925 | |
| 75 Brew Pub – Restaurant License DUPLICATE | $925 | $665 | $530 | |
| 76 On-Sale General Maritime Museum | $400 | |||
| 76 On-Sale General Maritime Museum DUPLICATE | $145 | |||
| 77 Event Permit | $265 | |||
| 78 On Sale General Wine , Food & Art Cultural Museum | $1,450 | $1,185 | $925 | |
| 78 On Sale General Wine , Food & Art Cultural Museum DUPLICATE | $925 | $665 | $530 | |
| 79 Certified Farmer’s Market | $145 | |||
| 80 Special On-Sale General Bed & Breakfast Inn | $25 (per room) | |||
| 81 Wine Sales Event Permit | $135 | |||
| 82 Direct Shippers Permit | $30 | |||
| 83 On-Sale General Caterer’s | $1,440 | $1,175 | $915 | |
| 84 Certified Farmers’ Market Beer | $135 | |||
| 85 Limited Off-Sale Wine License | $460 | |||
| 86 Instructional Tasting License | $460 | |||
| 87 Neighborhood Restricted Special On-Sale General | $1,450 | $1,185 | $925 | |
| 87 Neighborhood Restricted Special On-Sale General DUPLICATE | $925 | $665 | $530 | |
| 88 Special On-Sale General Historic Cemetery | $1,450 | $1,185 | $925 | |
| 88 Special On-Sale General Historic Cemetery DUPLICATE | $925 | $665 | $530 | |
| 90 On-Sale General Music Venue | $1,450 | $1,185 | $925 | |
| 99 On-Sale General for Special Use | $1,450 | $1,185 | $925 | |
| 99 On-Sale General for Special Use DUPLICATE | $925 | $665 | $530 |
Remember, these figures are subject to change and may vary based on your specific circumstances. So, if you’re considering obtaining a liquor license in California, be sure to do your research and consult with experts to understand all the costs involved. With the right guidance, you can raise a toast to a successful licensing journey!
