For entrepreneurs in Fresno County looking to open a business that serves or sells alcohol, obtaining the proper liquor license is a critical step. From family-owned restaurants to specialty liquor stores, understanding the costs and requirements of liquor licenses in Fresno County will help you plan effectively and avoid potential obstacles. Due to city legislation, license pricing for off-sale licenses can vary dramatically depending on whether or not your premises are within Fresno city limits. Please call to learn more.

Types of Liquor Licenses in Fresno County

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) regulates liquor licenses statewide, and the specific type of license you need depends on your business operations. Below is an overview of the most common licenses and their typical costs in Fresno County:

• Type 20 License (Off-Sale Beer & Wine License): Designed for businesses like grocery stores and convenience markets, this license allows the sale of beer and wine for off-premises consumption. In Fresno County, Type 20 licenses generally cost $7,000, plus escrow and broker fees.
• Type 21 License (Off-Sale General License): This license permits the sale of all alcoholic beverages for off-site consumption and is commonly held by liquor stores. Type 21 licenses in Fresno County typically cost between $25,000 and $150,000, depending on market conditions and premises location within Fresno county.

Recent Sales:
License 408675 sold 4/25/2024 for $27,000
License 448854 sold 3/12/2024 for $150,000
License 529803 sold 5/31/2019 for $58,000

• Type 47/48 License (On-Sale General License): For restaurants and bars that serve alcohol on-site, including spirits, wine, and beer, a Type 47 or Type 48 license is required. In Fresno County, these licenses usually range from $30,000 to $35,000.

Recent Sales:
License 604884 sold 10/31/2024 for $35,000
License 627894 sold 4/9/2024 for $28,000
License 617995 sold 10/24/2023 for $30,000

Estimated Liquor License Costs in Fresno County

Here’s a summary of the typical costs associated with liquor licenses in Fresno County:

• Type 20 License: $7,000
• Type 21 License: $27,000–$150,000
• Type 47/48 License: $30,000–$35,000

  

Factors That Affect Liquor License Costs in Fresno County

Several factors influence liquor license pricing in Fresno County, especially city policy on off-sale licensing, and understanding these can help you navigate the licensing process:

Demand in Key Areas

Fresno County features a mix of urban and agricultural areas, and demand for liquor licenses often varies by location. High-traffic areas like downtown Fresno may see more competition for licenses, driving up costs.

Escrow and Broker Fees

If you’re purchasing a liquor license on the open market, additional fees for brokers and escrow services will apply. Brokers typically charge a percentage of the license cost, while escrow fees vary by service provider.

License Transfer Costs

When buying an existing license, you’ll also need to budget for state-mandated transfer fees, which typically range from $1,000 to $4,000. The transfer process can take several months, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

 

Choosing the Right Liquor License for Your Fresno County Business

Selecting the appropriate liquor license for your business depends on your operations and goals. Whether you’re opening a small market in Clovis or a popular bar in downtown Fresno, having the correct license ensures compliance with state and county regulations.

License Locators: Helping Fresno County Businesses Secure Liquor Licenses

Navigating the complexities of liquor licensing can be daunting, but License Locators is here to help. We specialize in assisting businesses throughout California, including Fresno County, in securing the right liquor license. From managing escrow and broker fees to ensuring ABC compliance, our team handles the details so you can focus on growing your business. Contact us today to learn how we can help you find, buy, or sell a liquor license in Fresno County.

Values listed are a reasonable approximation based on sale trend information.
Prices fluctuate on a daily bases for current values contact our office.