Acquiring a liquor license is a crucial step for any business planning to serve or sell alcohol in San Diego County. Whether you’re opening a restaurant, bar, or retail store, understanding the cost and process of obtaining the right liquor license is essential to ensuring your business is compliant and ready to operate.

Types of Liquor Licenses in San Diego County

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) oversees liquor licenses across the state, including San Diego County. Depending on the nature of your business, you may need different types of licenses. Here are some of the most common licenses, along with their typical costs in San Diego County:

• Type 20 License (Off-Sale Beer & Wine License): This license allows the sale of beer and wine for off-premises consumption. Retailers like convenience stores and grocery stores typically seek this type of license. In San Diego, a Type 20 license usually costs around $7,000 depending on current market demand.
• Type 21 License (Off-Sale General License): With a Type 21 license, businesses can sell all types of alcohol, including spirits, for off-premises consumption. Popular among liquor stores and supermarkets, Type 21 licenses in San Diego generally range between $30,000 and $35,000, with additional fees for brokers and transfers.

Recent Sales:
License 564152 sold 7/23/2024 for $35,000
License 240938 sold 7/2/2024 for $35,000
License 22055 sold 6/27/2024 for $35,000

• Type 47/48 License (On-Sale General License): These licenses are necessary for restaurants and bars that wish to serve alcohol on-site, including spirits, beer, and wine. Due to their demand in San Diego’s vibrant hospitality scene, Type 47 and Type 48 licenses can cost between $150,000 and $160,000, depending on location and availability.

Recent Sales:
License 63281 sold 9/17/2024 for $150,000
License 354267 sold 9/13/2024 for $160,000
License 312918 sold 9/3/2024 for $160,000

Costs Breakdown for San Diego Liquor Licenses

The exact cost of a liquor license in San Diego County can vary based on multiple factors, including the type of license and market demand. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:

• Type 20 License: $7,000
• Type 21 License: $30,000–$35,000
• Type 47/48 License: $150,000–$160,000

 

Factors Affecting the Cost of Liquor Licenses in San Diego

Several factors contribute to the fluctuating costs of liquor licenses in San Diego County. Understanding these factors will help you navigate the process more effectively:

Market Conditions

As in most counties, the price of liquor licenses in San Diego is heavily influenced by supply and demand. With limited licenses available, businesses in competitive areas like downtown San Diego or popular beachside communities may find themselves paying a premium for licenses.

Broker and Escrow Fees

If you’re purchasing a liquor license through a broker, you’ll need to budget for additional fees. Brokers often charge up to 10% of the purchase price as a commission, or a flat fee for lower-priced licenses. Escrow fees are also part of the process, which vary based on the company handling the transaction.

License Transfer Fees

When purchasing an existing liquor license, you’ll need to pay state-mandated transfer fees. These typically range from $1,000 to $3,500 depending on the license type. Be prepared for a lengthy process, as transfers can take several months to complete.

The Importance of Securing the Right License for Your Business

San Diego’s dynamic business environment means that choosing the right liquor license is a crucial decision. Whether you are a small wine shop in La Jolla or a bustling bar in the Gaslamp Quarter, the type of license you select will affect your ability to serve customers and grow your business. Be sure to explore your options thoroughly and understand the costs involved before proceeding.

License Locators Can Help You Secure Your Liquor License in San Diego County

At License Locators, we specialize in helping business owners find, buy, and sell liquor licenses throughout California, including San Diego County. Our experienced team will guide you through the entire process, from selecting the right license to navigating escrow, brokers, and the California ABC. Let us take the hassle out of obtaining your San Diego County liquor license so you can focus on getting your business up and running.

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