When planning to open an establishment that serves or sells alcohol in Riverside County, obtaining the right liquor license is one of the first critical steps. Here we will break down the costs involved in acquiring a liquor license in Riverside County, whether you’re a restaurant owner seeking a Type 47 license or a convenience store aiming for a Type 20 or 21. Understanding the liquor license landscape is essential for any business dealing with alcohol, and we’re here to simplify that process for you.

Types of Liquor Licenses for Sale in Riverside County, CA

When it comes to liquor licenses in Riverside County, there are several types to consider, depending on the nature of your business and what you plan to serve. Knowing which type of license you need is the first step toward understanding the costs involved. Each liquor license in Riverside County comes with specific permissions for the sale and distribution of alcohol. Here are the most common licenses:

• Type 20 License: This license allows for the sale of beer and wine for consumption off the premises. It’s typically used by grocery stores and liquor stores. A type 20 license can be purchased for $7,000 plus escrow, ABC transfer, and finder’s fees.
• Type 21 License: This license expands on the Type 20, permitting the sale of all types of liquor for off-premises consumption. Type 21 licenses have been selling for $25,000 to $30,000 plus escrow, ABC transfer, and finder’s fees.

Recent Sales:
License 631793 sold 8/29/2024 for $30,000
License 446042 sold 8/27/2024 for $20,000
License 310765 sold 8/8/2024 for $25,000

• Type 47/48 License: This is one of the most sought-after licenses, as it allows restaurants and bars to sell a full range of alcoholic beverages for consumption on-site. Type 47/48 on-sale licenses are currently valued between $70,000 and $75,000.

Recent Sales:
License 614725 sold 9/19/2024 for $75,000
License 512700 sold 8/29/2024 for $70,000
License 611714 sold 8/27/2024 for $72,000

Each of these licenses serves a distinct purpose, and the costs can vary significantly based on the type you require. Understanding the differences between a Type 20, Type 21, and Type 47/48 liquor license is crucial when budgeting for your business.

Cost Breakdown of Riverside County Liquor Licenses

The cost of a liquor license in Riverside County varies widely depending on several factors, including the type of license and the market conditions. Below is a breakdown of the typical fees associated with common liquor licenses in the area.

What Influences the Cost of a Liquor License?

Several factors impact the cost of liquor licenses in Riverside County. Understanding these factors can help you better navigate the application and purchase process.

Supply and Demand

The number of liquor licenses available in Riverside County is limited, and the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control closely regulates the distribution. As businesses compete for a limited supply of licenses, the price naturally rises.

Escrow and Finder’s Fees

When using a license brokerage’s services to secure a license on the open market, the industry standard fee is 10% of license purchase price. If the license purchase cost is less than $30,000, a flat fee will apply. Buyers will also need to pay an escrow fee, these fees vary depending upon the escrow company.

License Transfer Fees

If you’re purchasing a liquor license from another business, expect to pay transfer fees on top of the purchase price. These fees are set by the state and can range from $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the type of license and the circumstances of the sale. The process of transferring a liquor license can also take several months, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.

We Can Help You Find Riverside County Liquor Licenses for Sale!

Navigating the complexities of obtaining an ABC license in Riverside County can be overwhelming. Whether you’re seeking an on-sale Type 48 liquor license for a bar, Type 57 license for a club/organization or an off-sale Type 20 or 21 license for a retail store, our liquor license brokers at License Locators can help. We specialize in helping businesses find, buy, and sell a liquor license throughout California. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in securing the right license for your business.

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