Different ABC Licenses Explained
Common ABC License Types and Their Basic Privileges
Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control - State of California
License Type Description
01 BEER MANUFACTURER - (Large Brewery) Authorizes the sale of beer to any person holding a license authorizing the sale of beer, and to consumers for consumption on or off the manufacturer’s licensed premises. Without any additional licenses, may sell beer and wine, regardless of source, to consumers for consumption at a bona fide public eating place on the manufacturer’s licensed premises or at a bona fide eating place contiguous to the manufacturer’s licensed premises. May conduct beer tastings under specified conditions (Section 23357.3). Minors are allowed on the premises.
02 WINEGROWER - (Winery) Authorizes the sale of wine and brandy to any person holding a license authorizing the sale of wine and brandy, and to consumers for consumption off the premises where sold. Authorizes the sale of all wines and brandies, regardless of source, to consumers for consumption on the premises in a bona fide eating place that is located on the licensed premises or on premises owned by the licensee that are contiguous to the licensed premises and operated by and for the licensee. May possess wine and brandy for use in the preparation of food and beverage to be consumed at the bona fide eating place. May conduct winetastings under prescribed conditions (Section 23356.1; Rule 53). Minors are allowed on the premises.
20 OFF SALE BEER & WINE - (Package Store) Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for consumption off the premises where sold. Minors are allowed on the premises.
21 OFF SALE GENERAL - (Package Store) Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption off the premises where sold. Minors are allowed on the premises.
23 SMALL BEER MANUFACTURER - (Brew Pub or Micro-brewery) Authorizes the same privileges and restrictions as a Type 01. A brewpub is typically a very small brewery with a restaurant. A micro-brewery is a small-scale brewery operation that typically is dedicated solely to the production of specialty beers, although some do have a restaurant or pub on their manufacturing plant.
40 ON SALE BEER - (Bar, Tavern) Authorizes the sale of beer for consumption on or off the premises where sold. No wine or distilled spirits may be on the premises. Full meals are not required; however, sandwiches or snacks must be available. Minors are allowed on the premises.
41 ON SALE BEER & WINE – EATING PLACE - (Restaurant) Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for consumption on or off the premises where sold. Distilled spirits may not be on the premises (except brandy, rum, or liqueurs for use solely for cooking purposes). Must operate and maintain the licensed premises as a bona fide eating place. Must maintain suitable kitchen facilities, and must make actual and substantial sales of meals for consumption on the premises. Minors are allowed on the premises.
42 ON SALE BEER & WINE – PUBLIC PREMISES - (Bar, Tavern) Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for consumption on or off the premises where sold. No distilled spirits may be on the premises. Minors are not allowed to enter and remain (see Section 25663.5 for exception, musicians). Food service is not required.
47 ON SALE GENERAL – EATING PLACE - (Restaurant) Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption on the licenses premises. Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for consumption off the licenses premises. Must operate and maintain the licensed premises as a bona fide eating place. Must maintain suitable kitchen facilities, and must make actual and substantial sales of meals for consumption on the premises. Minors are allowed on the premises.
48 ON SALE GENERAL – PUBLIC PREMISES - (Bar, Night Club) Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises where sold. Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for consumption off the premises where sold. Minors are not allowed to enter and remain (see Section 5663.5 for exception, musicians). Food service is not required.
49 ON SALE GENERAL – SEASONAL - Authorizes the same privileges and restrictions as provided for a Type 47 license except it is issued for a specific season. Inclusive dates of operation are listed on the license certificate. ABC-616 (09-11)
51 CLUB - Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits, to members and guests only, for consumption on the premises where sold. No off-sale privileges. Food service is not required. Minors are allowed on the premises.
52 VETERAN’S CLUB - Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits, to members and guests only, for consumption on the premises where sold. Authorizes the sale of beer and wine, to members and guest only, for consumption off the licensed premises. Food service is not required. Minors are allowed on the premises.
57 SPECIAL ON SALE GENERAL - Generally issued to certain organizations who cannot qualify for club licenses. Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits, to members and guests only, for consumption on the premises where sold. Authorizes the sale of beer and wine, to members and guests only, for consumption off the licensed premises. Food service is not required. Minors are allowed on the premises.
59 ON SALE BEER AND WINE – SEASONAL - Authorizes the same privileges as a Type 41. Issued for a specific season. Inclusive dates of operation are listed on the license certificate.
60 ON SALE BEER – SEASONAL - Authorizes the sale of beer only for consumption on or off the premises where sold. Issued for a specific season. Inclusive dates of operation are listed on the license certificate. Wine or distilled spirits may not be on the premises. Minors are allowed on the premises.
61 ON SALE BEER – PUBLIC PREMISES - (Bar, Tavern) Authorizes the sale of beer only for consumption on or off the licensed premises. Wine or distilled spirits may not be on the premises. Minors are not allowed to enter and remain (warning signs required). Food service is not required.
67 BED AND BREAKFAST INN - Authorizes the sale of wine purchased from a licensed winegrower or wine wholesaler only to registered guests of the establishment for consumption on the premises. No beer or distilled spirits may be on the premises. Wine shall not be given away to guests, but the price of the wine shall be included in the price of the overnight transient occupancy accommodation. Removal of wine from the grounds is not permitted. Minors are allowed on the premises.
70 ON SALE GENERAL – RESTRICTIVE SERVICE - Authorizes the sale or furnishing of beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises to the establishment’s overnight transient occupancy guests or their invitees. This license is normally issued to “suite-type” hotels and motels, which exercise the license privileges for guests’ “complimentary” happy hour. Minors are allowed on the premises.
75 ON SALE GENERAL – BREWPUB - (Restaurant) Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption on a bona fide eating place plus a limited amount of brewing of beer. Also authorizes the sale of beer and wine only for consumption off the premises where sold. Minors are allowed on the premises.
80 BED AND BREAKFAST INN – GENERAL - Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits purchased from a licensed wholesaler or winegrower only to registered guests of the establishment for consumption on the premises. Alcoholic beverages shall not be given away to guests, but the price of the alcoholic beverage shall be included in the price of the overnight transient occupancy accommodation. Removal of alcoholic beverages from the grounds is not permitted. Minors are allowed on the premises.
86 INSTRUCTIONAL TASTING LICENSE–Issued to the holder of and premises of a Type 20 or Type 21 licensee, authorizes the tasting of alcoholic beverages as authorized to be sold from the off-sale premises, on a limited basis. Requires physical separation from the off-sale premises while tasting is taking place and generally requires the participation of a specifically-authorized manufacturer or wholesaler licensee. ABC-616 (09-11) ABC-616 (09-11)
Special Events
The Department also issues licenses and authorizations for the retail sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits on a temporary basis for special events. The most common are listed below. Other less common ones are found in Business and Professions Code Section 24045.2, et seq.
SPECIAL DAILY BEER AND/OR WINE LICENSE - (Form ABC-221) Authorizes the sale of beer and/or wine for consumption on the premises where sold. No off-sale privileges. Minors are allowed on the premises. May be revoked summarily by the Department if, in the opinion of the Department and/or the local law enforcement agency, it is necessary to protect the safety, welfare, health, peace and morals of the people of the State. In some instances, the local ABC office may require the applicant to obtain prior written approval of the local law enforcement agency. Issued to non-profit organizations. (Rule 59, California Code of Regulations)
DAILY ON SALE GENERAL LICENSE - (Form ABC-221) Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises where sold. No off-sale privileges. Minors are allowed on the premises. May be revoked summarily by the Department if, in the opinion of the Department and/or the local law enforcement agency, it is necessary to protect the safety, welfare, health, peace and morals of the people of the State. In some instances, the local ABC office may require the applicant to obtain prior written approval of the local law enforcement agency. Issued to political parties or affiliates supporting a candidate for public office or a ballot measure or charitable, civic, fraternal or religious organizations. (Section 24045.1 and Rule 59.5 California Code of Regulations)
CATERING AUTHORIZATION - (Form ABC-218) Authorizes Type 47, 48, 51, 52, 57, 75 and 78 licensees (and catering businesses that qualify under Section 24045.12) to sell beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption at conventions, sporting events, trade exhibits, picnics, social gatherings, or similar events. Type 47, 48 and 57 licensees may cater alcoholic beverages at any ABC-approved location in the State. Type 51 and 52 licensees may only cater alcoholic beverages at their licensed premises. All licensees wishing to cater alcoholic beverages must obtain prior written authorization from the Department for each event. At all approved events, the licensee may exercise only those privileges authorized by the licensee’s license and shall comply with all provisions of the ABC Act pertaining to the conduct of on-sale premises and violation of those provisions may be grounds for suspension or revocation of the licensee’s license or permit, or both, as though the violation occurred on the licensed premises. (Section 23399 and Rule 60.5 California Code of Regulations)
EVENT AUTHORIZATION - (Form ABC-218) Authorizes Type 41, 42, 47, 48, 49, 57, 75 and 78 licensees to sell beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption on property adjacent to the licensed premises and owned or under the control of the licensee. This property shall be secured and controlled by the licensee and not visible to the general public. The licensee shall obtain prior approval of the local law enforcement agency. At all approved events, the licensee may exercise only those privileges authorized by the licensee’s license and shall comply with all provisions of the ABC Act pertaining to the conduct of on-sale premises (including any license conditions) and violations of those provisions may be grounds for suspension or revocation of the licensee’s license or permit, or both, as though the violation occurred on the licensed premises. (Section 23399)
WINE SALES EVENT PERMIT - (Form ABC-239) Authorizes Type 02 licensees to sell bottled wine produced by the winegrower for consumption off the premises where sold and only at fairs, festivals or cultural events sponsored by designated tax exempt organizations. The licensee must notify the city and/or county where the event is being held and obtain approval from ABC for each event (Form ABC-222). The licensee must also comply with all restrictions listed in Business and Professions Code Section 23399.6.
Note:
1. “Minor” means any person under 21 years of age.
2. Consult Section 25663(b) regarding age of employees in off-sale premises; consult Sections 25663(a) and 25663.5 regarding age of employees in on-sale premises.
3. In certain situations, ABC may place reasonable conditions upon a license, such as restrictions as to hours of sale, employment of designated persons, display of signs, restrictions on entertainment or dancing, etc. If a license has been conditioned, it will be endorsed as such on the face of the license. (Conditional licenses, Sections 23800-23805.)
4. Licensees whose license allows minors on the premises may have a “house policy” restricting minors from entering certain areas of the premises or prohibiting minors in the premises during certain hours.
5. This handout contains only abbreviated information. Contact your local ABC office for full information before doing anything which may jeopardize your license.
Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control - State of California
License Type Description
01 BEER MANUFACTURER - (Large Brewery) Authorizes the sale of beer to any person holding a license authorizing the sale of beer, and to consumers for consumption on or off the manufacturer’s licensed premises. Without any additional licenses, may sell beer and wine, regardless of source, to consumers for consumption at a bona fide public eating place on the manufacturer’s licensed premises or at a bona fide eating place contiguous to the manufacturer’s licensed premises. May conduct beer tastings under specified conditions (Section 23357.3). Minors are allowed on the premises.
02 WINEGROWER - (Winery) Authorizes the sale of wine and brandy to any person holding a license authorizing the sale of wine and brandy, and to consumers for consumption off the premises where sold. Authorizes the sale of all wines and brandies, regardless of source, to consumers for consumption on the premises in a bona fide eating place that is located on the licensed premises or on premises owned by the licensee that are contiguous to the licensed premises and operated by and for the licensee. May possess wine and brandy for use in the preparation of food and beverage to be consumed at the bona fide eating place. May conduct winetastings under prescribed conditions (Section 23356.1; Rule 53). Minors are allowed on the premises.
20 OFF SALE BEER & WINE - (Package Store) Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for consumption off the premises where sold. Minors are allowed on the premises.
21 OFF SALE GENERAL - (Package Store) Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption off the premises where sold. Minors are allowed on the premises.
23 SMALL BEER MANUFACTURER - (Brew Pub or Micro-brewery) Authorizes the same privileges and restrictions as a Type 01. A brewpub is typically a very small brewery with a restaurant. A micro-brewery is a small-scale brewery operation that typically is dedicated solely to the production of specialty beers, although some do have a restaurant or pub on their manufacturing plant.
40 ON SALE BEER - (Bar, Tavern) Authorizes the sale of beer for consumption on or off the premises where sold. No wine or distilled spirits may be on the premises. Full meals are not required; however, sandwiches or snacks must be available. Minors are allowed on the premises.
41 ON SALE BEER & WINE – EATING PLACE - (Restaurant) Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for consumption on or off the premises where sold. Distilled spirits may not be on the premises (except brandy, rum, or liqueurs for use solely for cooking purposes). Must operate and maintain the licensed premises as a bona fide eating place. Must maintain suitable kitchen facilities, and must make actual and substantial sales of meals for consumption on the premises. Minors are allowed on the premises.
42 ON SALE BEER & WINE – PUBLIC PREMISES - (Bar, Tavern) Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for consumption on or off the premises where sold. No distilled spirits may be on the premises. Minors are not allowed to enter and remain (see Section 25663.5 for exception, musicians). Food service is not required.
47 ON SALE GENERAL – EATING PLACE - (Restaurant) Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption on the licenses premises. Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for consumption off the licenses premises. Must operate and maintain the licensed premises as a bona fide eating place. Must maintain suitable kitchen facilities, and must make actual and substantial sales of meals for consumption on the premises. Minors are allowed on the premises.
48 ON SALE GENERAL – PUBLIC PREMISES - (Bar, Night Club) Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises where sold. Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for consumption off the premises where sold. Minors are not allowed to enter and remain (see Section 5663.5 for exception, musicians). Food service is not required.
49 ON SALE GENERAL – SEASONAL - Authorizes the same privileges and restrictions as provided for a Type 47 license except it is issued for a specific season. Inclusive dates of operation are listed on the license certificate. ABC-616 (09-11)
51 CLUB - Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits, to members and guests only, for consumption on the premises where sold. No off-sale privileges. Food service is not required. Minors are allowed on the premises.
52 VETERAN’S CLUB - Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits, to members and guests only, for consumption on the premises where sold. Authorizes the sale of beer and wine, to members and guest only, for consumption off the licensed premises. Food service is not required. Minors are allowed on the premises.
57 SPECIAL ON SALE GENERAL - Generally issued to certain organizations who cannot qualify for club licenses. Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits, to members and guests only, for consumption on the premises where sold. Authorizes the sale of beer and wine, to members and guests only, for consumption off the licensed premises. Food service is not required. Minors are allowed on the premises.
59 ON SALE BEER AND WINE – SEASONAL - Authorizes the same privileges as a Type 41. Issued for a specific season. Inclusive dates of operation are listed on the license certificate.
60 ON SALE BEER – SEASONAL - Authorizes the sale of beer only for consumption on or off the premises where sold. Issued for a specific season. Inclusive dates of operation are listed on the license certificate. Wine or distilled spirits may not be on the premises. Minors are allowed on the premises.
61 ON SALE BEER – PUBLIC PREMISES - (Bar, Tavern) Authorizes the sale of beer only for consumption on or off the licensed premises. Wine or distilled spirits may not be on the premises. Minors are not allowed to enter and remain (warning signs required). Food service is not required.
67 BED AND BREAKFAST INN - Authorizes the sale of wine purchased from a licensed winegrower or wine wholesaler only to registered guests of the establishment for consumption on the premises. No beer or distilled spirits may be on the premises. Wine shall not be given away to guests, but the price of the wine shall be included in the price of the overnight transient occupancy accommodation. Removal of wine from the grounds is not permitted. Minors are allowed on the premises.
70 ON SALE GENERAL – RESTRICTIVE SERVICE - Authorizes the sale or furnishing of beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises to the establishment’s overnight transient occupancy guests or their invitees. This license is normally issued to “suite-type” hotels and motels, which exercise the license privileges for guests’ “complimentary” happy hour. Minors are allowed on the premises.
75 ON SALE GENERAL – BREWPUB - (Restaurant) Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption on a bona fide eating place plus a limited amount of brewing of beer. Also authorizes the sale of beer and wine only for consumption off the premises where sold. Minors are allowed on the premises.
80 BED AND BREAKFAST INN – GENERAL - Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits purchased from a licensed wholesaler or winegrower only to registered guests of the establishment for consumption on the premises. Alcoholic beverages shall not be given away to guests, but the price of the alcoholic beverage shall be included in the price of the overnight transient occupancy accommodation. Removal of alcoholic beverages from the grounds is not permitted. Minors are allowed on the premises.
86 INSTRUCTIONAL TASTING LICENSE–Issued to the holder of and premises of a Type 20 or Type 21 licensee, authorizes the tasting of alcoholic beverages as authorized to be sold from the off-sale premises, on a limited basis. Requires physical separation from the off-sale premises while tasting is taking place and generally requires the participation of a specifically-authorized manufacturer or wholesaler licensee. ABC-616 (09-11) ABC-616 (09-11)
Special Events
The Department also issues licenses and authorizations for the retail sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits on a temporary basis for special events. The most common are listed below. Other less common ones are found in Business and Professions Code Section 24045.2, et seq.
SPECIAL DAILY BEER AND/OR WINE LICENSE - (Form ABC-221) Authorizes the sale of beer and/or wine for consumption on the premises where sold. No off-sale privileges. Minors are allowed on the premises. May be revoked summarily by the Department if, in the opinion of the Department and/or the local law enforcement agency, it is necessary to protect the safety, welfare, health, peace and morals of the people of the State. In some instances, the local ABC office may require the applicant to obtain prior written approval of the local law enforcement agency. Issued to non-profit organizations. (Rule 59, California Code of Regulations)
DAILY ON SALE GENERAL LICENSE - (Form ABC-221) Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises where sold. No off-sale privileges. Minors are allowed on the premises. May be revoked summarily by the Department if, in the opinion of the Department and/or the local law enforcement agency, it is necessary to protect the safety, welfare, health, peace and morals of the people of the State. In some instances, the local ABC office may require the applicant to obtain prior written approval of the local law enforcement agency. Issued to political parties or affiliates supporting a candidate for public office or a ballot measure or charitable, civic, fraternal or religious organizations. (Section 24045.1 and Rule 59.5 California Code of Regulations)
CATERING AUTHORIZATION - (Form ABC-218) Authorizes Type 47, 48, 51, 52, 57, 75 and 78 licensees (and catering businesses that qualify under Section 24045.12) to sell beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption at conventions, sporting events, trade exhibits, picnics, social gatherings, or similar events. Type 47, 48 and 57 licensees may cater alcoholic beverages at any ABC-approved location in the State. Type 51 and 52 licensees may only cater alcoholic beverages at their licensed premises. All licensees wishing to cater alcoholic beverages must obtain prior written authorization from the Department for each event. At all approved events, the licensee may exercise only those privileges authorized by the licensee’s license and shall comply with all provisions of the ABC Act pertaining to the conduct of on-sale premises and violation of those provisions may be grounds for suspension or revocation of the licensee’s license or permit, or both, as though the violation occurred on the licensed premises. (Section 23399 and Rule 60.5 California Code of Regulations)
EVENT AUTHORIZATION - (Form ABC-218) Authorizes Type 41, 42, 47, 48, 49, 57, 75 and 78 licensees to sell beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption on property adjacent to the licensed premises and owned or under the control of the licensee. This property shall be secured and controlled by the licensee and not visible to the general public. The licensee shall obtain prior approval of the local law enforcement agency. At all approved events, the licensee may exercise only those privileges authorized by the licensee’s license and shall comply with all provisions of the ABC Act pertaining to the conduct of on-sale premises (including any license conditions) and violations of those provisions may be grounds for suspension or revocation of the licensee’s license or permit, or both, as though the violation occurred on the licensed premises. (Section 23399)
WINE SALES EVENT PERMIT - (Form ABC-239) Authorizes Type 02 licensees to sell bottled wine produced by the winegrower for consumption off the premises where sold and only at fairs, festivals or cultural events sponsored by designated tax exempt organizations. The licensee must notify the city and/or county where the event is being held and obtain approval from ABC for each event (Form ABC-222). The licensee must also comply with all restrictions listed in Business and Professions Code Section 23399.6.
Note:
1. “Minor” means any person under 21 years of age.
2. Consult Section 25663(b) regarding age of employees in off-sale premises; consult Sections 25663(a) and 25663.5 regarding age of employees in on-sale premises.
3. In certain situations, ABC may place reasonable conditions upon a license, such as restrictions as to hours of sale, employment of designated persons, display of signs, restrictions on entertainment or dancing, etc. If a license has been conditioned, it will be endorsed as such on the face of the license. (Conditional licenses, Sections 23800-23805.)
4. Licensees whose license allows minors on the premises may have a “house policy” restricting minors from entering certain areas of the premises or prohibiting minors in the premises during certain hours.
5. This handout contains only abbreviated information. Contact your local ABC office for full information before doing anything which may jeopardize your license.