Whether you are a first-time business owner or a veteran entrepreneur, the complexity of acquiring an Alameda County liquor license, will most likely leave you stressed and overwhelmed. You must be willing to invest plenty of time to successfully navigate through the intricate steps of the Alameda County liquor licensing process. Educating yourself on the state requirements and legalities, along with familiarizing yourself with license types and the open market, will aid you in the process, but will not ultimately result in the issuance of an Alameda County liquor license. Without such knowledge, you risk losing valuable time and lots of money. On the contrary, possessing an Alameda County liquor license, allows you to maximize your income opportunities, as the sale of alcohol, especially hard liquor, is known to have the largest profit margin of any product offered in the bar, restaurant and grocery industries.

Allow this page to be your go-to resource for everything you need to know about obtaining an Alameda County liquor license.

What You Should Know About Alameda County Liquor Licenses

An Alameda County liquor license, along with any other liquor license operating in California, is issued and managed by the California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC). The ABC is notorious for their rigorous application process. The California ABC offers over 80 different licenses, specific to alcohol manufacturers, importers, distributors and sellers. They offer two major varieties, off-sale and on-sale. On-sale allows the licensed business to serve alcohol to their customers for consumption on the premise of their business, while off-sale permits the sale of packaged alcoholic beverages for consumption elsewhere. It is important that you carefully consider the type of license that meets the specifics of your business.  The most popular Alameda County liquor licenses are quota-based, and most likely only available on the open market.

Most Common Retail Alameda County Liquor Licenses

1. Type 21 – Off-Sale Full Liquor – Ideal for grocery and liquor type stores who wish to sell packaged beer, wine and liquor – not for consumption on the premises.
2. Type 47 – Full Liquor Restaurant – Ideal for restaurant style establishments who would like to serve beer, wine and liquor for consumption on the premises.
3. Type 48 – Full Liquor Bar – Ideal for bars, taverns, and nightclubs wishing to serve beer, wine and liquor for on premises consumption, or beer and wine for off.
4. Type 57 – Full Liquor Private Club – Ideal for private athletic or social clubs wishing to serve beer, wine and liquor for on premises consumption, or beer and wine for off.

If your business plan requires an Alameda County liquor license that’s listed above, don’t get caught up in the hurdles of the open market and allow us to be of service! At California Liquor License, we provide over fifty years of combined experience in the sale, purchase, and transfer of California liquor licenses. As America’s foremost liquor license firm, our experienced staff will lead you through the process of locating, negotiating, and obtaining the necessary Alameda County liquor license for your business. Our size and skill allow us to get licenses quicker and cheaper, than our competitors.

If you are unsure of whether you need to buy an Alameda County liquor license on the open market or if can obtain it directly from the state please do not hesitate to call, we are here to answer any questions you have.

Call 1 (800) 222-5777

Basic Steps in the Alameda County Liquor License Application Process

Please note that depending on the type of Alameda County liquor license you plan on purchasing and where it is purchased from, the price range can be drastic. It can take up to 4 months for your application to be processed.

• Secure a location for your business – the liquor license will be issued specifically to your establishment’s property address.
• Determine the type of license you need – i.e. full liquor, beer and wine, restaurant or bar
• Acquire the license – either directly from the ABC or on the open market.
• Open an escrow – an Escrow is required for all liquor license transfers in the state of California.  Escrow companies are all regulated by the California government.  The determining factor when choosing your escrow company should be experience.  Liquor license escrows differ greatly from those involving real estate.  Because of this you need to get a team of qualified professionals involved.
• Have the entire premises surveyed – depending on the city within Alameda County your establishment will do business in, there are different restrictions that can prevent you from gaining approval.  Most restrictions mandate the number of feet your business is from schools and churches.
• Submit your application and all associated fees – all persons intending on selling alcohol must apply through the state alcohol beverage control.  THIS IS A CRITICAL PROCESS!!! Any inconsistencies, failure to disclose information and missing information or documents that are required on your application, will result in the delay of your license issuance or possibly eliminate your chances at getting one. Some of the additional documents required are:
  • Personal/Financial Affidavits
  • Finger Prints
  • Supplemental Diagrams
  • Premise Diagrams
  • Zoning Affidavits
  • Corporate Questionnaire
• Post notice – After submitting your application the ABC will send you a posting notice.  the posting notice must be displayed in a place that is easily viewable by the public. The purpose of the posting notice is to make the neighborhood aware of your intention to sell alcohol.  In the worst of cases, people will protest your license, causing delays and potentially even denial of your license.
• Investigation – After the public notice period, the ABC will conduct an investigation into the business. This includes a report on the moral character and fitness of applicants and the suitability of the premises where sales will be conducted.
• Receive a liquor license – in the mail from the ABC.