A California Type 21 liquor license is suitable for liquor stores, grocery stores, department stores, gas stations or other retail establishments that would like to sell alcohol. A California type 21 liquor license would allow you to maximize the selection of alcoholic beverages you can sell to your customers.
The Type 21 liquor license is one the most popular liquor licenses that the state has to offer. A Type 21 license is described by the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) as an off sale general liquor license.
A California type 21 liquor license gives the licensee privileges to sell beer wine and distilled spirits, in package form for consumption off the retail establishments premises. Minors are allowed to be on the premises; however, the purchaser must be of legal age to purchase alcohol.
If it sounds like a California Type 21 liquor license is fitting for your business, here’s what you should know:
Because the demand for a California Type 21 liquor license is extremely high, acquiring this license type can be time-consuming, expensive and complicated, altogether. Liquor licenses in the State of California are issued and managed by the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC), but not all licenses offered will be available. Unlike the many other licenses California has to offer, a type 21 liquor license is quota-based. Quota-based in this case means California type 21 liquor licenses are issued in a limited quantity by the state and unfortunately for license seekers, the quota has been met. If you desire a Type 21 license, you’ll need to find one available for your county on the open market.
Let our professionals at LiquorLicense.com help you save time and money. We maintain the largest database of available licenses in the nation. Regardless of your location, our team can source and secure a license that is qualified for purchase. We can help get you licensed faster and cheaper than anyone else in the market!
Basic Steps in the California Type 21 Liquor License Application Process
Secure a location for your business – the license will be issued specifically to your property address.
Have your property professionally surveyed – this is required as part of your application.
Contact local authorities for approval – additional permitting requirements may need to be met.
Open an escrow – the full purchase price of the license must be placed in escrow.
Submit your application to the ABC – Along with supporting documents and all fees.
Await a public response – local residents and businesses will be notified of your intent to sell liquor. They have a 30-day window to object to your business being granted the license.
Complete an investigation – If there are no legitimate protests to your license, the ABC will conduct a thorough fact-finding investigation into your liquor license application. This may include an interview.
Receive a ruling.
Additional Fees Associated with Acquiring a California Type 21 Liquor License
Depending on the type of license you purchase the following additional fees from the ABC will apply:
Person to Person Transfer – Ownership transfer from one person (or entity) to another – $1,250
Premises to Premises – from existing licensed premise to another – $100
Double Transfer – Premises and Person transfer – $1,250