Maximize your Liquor License
Benefits for licensees that can help you make the most of your license
Licenses have evolved over the last 100 years to include many ‘add on’ benefits you may not be aware of. Catering permits, off-sale privileges and tastings are ways you can build in more value to your business.
Off-Site Events with the Type 58
Certain on-sale license types (41, 42, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 57, 83) offer the option of the Type 58 Catering Permit. This is not a blanket off site event approval, but it allows you to apply for ‘Catering Authorizations’ for specific events and use your license at weddings, parties, festivals and more. It’s $275 annually.
There’s a limit of 36 events per year per location, and it costs $100-$1,000 per day depending on how many guests are attending.
Daily costs for Event Authorizations
You should apply 2-4 weeks before your event to give ABC staff enough time to process it, particularly for a large public event. There may be police department approval required and it’s good to give yourself time to run around to all the necessary agencies who may have their own delays.
ABC is now accepting applications for the events online, once your Type 58 is “Active”. When you’ve set up your License Administrator access, you can apply for these through the Online Services portal, reducing the need for mailing, tracking and checks.
Learn more about Type 58 licenses from ABC here.
Off-Sale Privileges
Did you know that the most popular on-sale license types (41, 42, 47, 48) also include the privileges of a Type 20 Off-Sale Beer & Wine license? Unless ABC or local police departments add ‘conditions’ to your license limiting your use of the off-sale privilege, you can sell beer & wine ‘to go’ in manufacturer-sealed containers. Think a specialty market of your goodies for patrons.
After the pandemic, many cities who tended to restrict this are now giving licensees full use of this. If your license is restricted, we can also apply for a Condition Modification that would restore this privilege. I can help you figure out if this is an option for you.
On-sale licenses also have the option to use a limited time Covid-era privilege for ‘secured’ alcoholic beverages to go with meals until December 31, 2026, courtesy of SB-389. This one gets a bit in the weeds, but if your business has patrons picking up meals regularly, it’s worth understanding this provision to maximize your take out options.
More fun add-on licenses:
TYPE 77 - Those licensees eligible for a Type 58 are ALSO eligible for a Type 77 Event Permit, which allows you to do events adjacent to the premises 4 days per year. This would allow you to use your parking lot or a neighboring park for community events or holidays.
The same fees apply for ‘Event Authorizations’ as the Type 58 and it costs $265 annually.
More info here.
TYPE 84 – Type 23 Small Beer Manufacturers are eligible for a Type 84 Certified Farmers Market Beer Sales Permit. The name is pretty obvious, but it allows you to sell sealed containers for patrons to take home. Annual fee of $135 each year.
TYPE 86 – If you have a Type 20 or 21 license for off-sale (bottle shop, grocery store etc.) you may be able to apply for a Type 86 Instructional Tasting License that allows you do tastings in the store. There are some size and operational restrictions (gas stations and grocery stores under 5000 square feet are not eligible) but liquor stores/bottle shops who primarily sell alcohol are the intended licensees for this privilege. This costs $460 annually, and it will save you a lot of additional time, cost and effort if you can apply at the same time as your 20 or 21. BPC 23396.6
Creativity in the Code
These are just a few of the ‘creative’ options buried in the ABC Act. Most license types offer some privileges that aren’t as well known and utilized, so call me if you have questions about what you can and can’t do. I am here to be a resource in navigating the state and local laws to help your business thrive.
