California has a buffet of liquor licenses, and each has a different appetite for your wallet. The most common one for bars and restaurants is the Type 47 (also called the “on-sale general” license). This beauty lets you sell beer, wine, and distilled spirits for consumption on your premises. The state fee for a new Type 47? A surprisingly modest $13,800—if you can actually get one from the state.
But here’s the joke: the state rarely issues new Type 47 licenses. There’s a strict limit based on population, so you’re often stuck in a lottery or waiting list that feels like waiting for a unicorn to deliver your license. That’s when the secondary market steps in, and prices jump to $80,000 to $150,000 in a medium-sized city.
The Type 48: The Beer & Wine Bestie
If you’re just serving beer and wine (no hard liquor), you want a Type 48 license. The state fee is a cool $1,020—yes, that’s three digits! But again, availability is tight. If you have to buy it on the secondary market, expect to pay $15,000 to $30,000. Still cheaper than a Type 47, but your customers might cry if they can’t get a martini.
And then there’s the Type 41 (off-sale beer and wine) for your future corner store. State fee: around $695. Secondary market? About $10,000. A bargain, until you realize you need to sell a lot of six-packs to make that back.
