If you’re planning to open a business that serves or sells alcohol in Santa Clara County, California, obtaining the proper liquor license is essential. From trendy bars in downtown San Jose to wine shops throughout the Silicon Valley area, understanding liquor license costs in Santa Clara County can help ensure you’re well-prepared as you move forward.

Types of Liquor Licenses Available in Santa Clara County

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) regulates liquor licenses across the state, with different licenses available depending on your business type. Below are the most common license types in Santa Clara County and their typical price ranges:

• Type 20 License (Off-Sale Beer & Wine License): This license allows businesses to sell beer and wine for off-site consumption, which is ideal for grocery stores and convenience markets. In Santa Clara County, the cost for a Type 20 license typically $7,000, with additional broker and escrow fees.
• Type 21 License (Off-Sale General License): The Type 21 license permits the sale of all alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption and is commonly used by liquor stores. In Santa Clara County, Type 21 licenses usually cost $10,000, depending on availability and market conditions.

Santa Clara County Off-Sale Comps:

License 579950 sold on 8/29/24 for $10,000
License 311862 sold on 4/11/24 for $10,000
License 56770 sold on 12/22/23 for $10,000

• Type 47/48 License (On-Sale General License): These licenses are essential for restaurants and bars that want to serve alcohol on-site, including beer, wine, and spirits. Due to their high demand in Santa Clara County, Type 47 and Type 48 licenses generally range between $65,000 and $75,000.

Santa Clara County On-Sale Comps:

License 544291 sold on 10/8/24 for $65,000
License 475195 sold on 10/8/24 for $62,000
License 598914 sold on 10/3/23 for $70,000

Estimated Liquor License Costs in Santa Clara County

Here’s a breakdown of typical costs for different liquor licenses in Santa Clara County:

• Type 20 License: $7,000
• Type 21 License: $10,000
• Type 47/48 License: $65,000–$75,000

 

 

Key Factors Affecting Liquor License Costs in Santa Clara County

A variety of factors impact liquor license prices in Santa Clara County. Familiarity with these factors can help you better understand the licensing market and budget accordingly:

Market Demand and Location

Santa Clara County has a wide range of cities and neighborhoods, each with unique business demands. High-demand areas like Palo Alto, Mountain View, and San Jose often experience increased competition for liquor licenses, which can drive prices higher.

Broker and Escrow Fees

Purchasing a liquor license through a broker comes with added costs, typically a percentage of the license price or a flat fee for lower-cost licenses. Escrow fees also apply, and these vary based on the company facilitating the transfer.

License Transfer Fees

If you’re acquiring a liquor license from an existing business, the California ABC requires a license transfer fee, which usually falls between $1,000 and $4,000 depending on the license type. Transfers can take several months to complete, so early planning is advised.

 

Selecting the Right Liquor License for Your Business

Choosing the correct liquor license is essential for a successful start in Santa Clara County. Whether you’re opening a family-owned market or a new restaurant, selecting the appropriate license will help your business operate smoothly and remain compliant with ABC regulations.

 

License Locators: Helping You Obtain the Right License in Santa Clara County

Navigating the liquor licensing process can be complex, but License Locators is here to simplify it for you. Our team specializes in assisting businesses throughout California, including Santa Clara County, in securing the correct liquor license. We guide you through the process from start to finish, ensuring all details are handled professionally so you can focus on building your business. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find, buy, or sell a liquor license in Santa Clara County.

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