California Bar License

Have you always dreamed of owning a bar? You love the idea of serving the public, and now, you’re ready to make it happen. Find out what you must do to open a bar. You will also learn how to use a bar license lookup in California to find out if a bar is licensed.

What Do I Need to Start My Own Bar?

You need to go through several steps before you start your bar. Begin by creating a business plan. Then, form a corporation, LLC, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each has its own set of benefits, so you might want to speak to an attorney before choosing one.
Purchase or rent a venue, get the necessary funding, and register for the permits and licenses. Get a business license from your local government if applicable, register with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and obtain your liquor license from the California Department of Beverage Control. You also need to get a taxpayer ID number. If you’re going to offer food, secure a health permit, food safety certification, and food handler permit. Finally, get a worker’s compensation policy if you are going to have employees at the bar. Once you have everything in place, you’ll be ready to open your establishment.

How Much Is It to Open a Bar in California?

The cost of opening a bar depends on various factors, including where the business is located, the space you choose, and the type of liquor license you get. A California beer and wine license generally costs between $3,000-$5,000. A full liquor license is much more expensive, usually ranging from $12,000-$400,000. When you factor in the property’s rent or purchase price, equipment, and wages, you could pay anywhere from $150,000 to several million to start a new bar. However, you can save money if you take over some else’s bar. Some people manage to do that for as little as $25,000. You will get a much better idea of how much you’ll have to pay once you decide the type of bar and liquor license you want.

What Are the Requirements for a California Bar License?

You’ll likely need a business license to run the bar. Instead of getting the license from the state, you’ll need to contact your local government. A government official will let you know if you need a license, and if so, what requirements you must meet.

You will also need to get a liquor license. To qualify, you must be at least 21 years of age and have proof that you own or lease a venue. You also must have a Condition Use Permit and a record clear of serious criminal charges.

How to Get a Bar License in California

If you meet the requirements, you can begin the process of obtaining a liquor license so that you can operate your bar. Visit the ABC District Office closest to your venue. Be prepared to answer questions about your bar, so the staff can help you decide the type of license you need. You will fill out the application, and then the ABC office will send it to the appropriate officials. The application will go to the district attorney, sheriff’s department, and board of supervisors if you’re going to operate the bar within county limits. If you are going to run a bar in a California city, the city planning department, police department, and city council must receive a copy of your application.

The county or city officials will get the opportunity to file a protest if they don’t want a bar in the area. They also might attempt to impose restrictions on the establishment. The ABC office will also investigate your establishment to ensure that you meet the requirements for a license.

At the same time, you’ll need to let the public know that you’ve applied for a license. You can do this by posting a Public Notice of Application. You’ll place this at your venue, and it must stay in place for 30 days.

You might have to go through a hearing if your license is contested. If the administrative law judge doesn’t rule in your favor, you can file an appeal.

After you complete the process, you will have a license to operate a bar. Then, people can conduct a California bar license lookup to find your license.

Take the Steps to Start Your Bar

Follow these steps to start your bar. Then, it won’t be long before you can serve people in California.