Securing Alcohol Permits For Hotels: The Type 70 Liquor License

Guests expect a seamless and enjoyable experience when staying at a hotel, and offering alcoholic beverages can enhance their visit. Whether it’s a cocktail at the bar, a glass of wine with dinner, or a late-night drink in the lounge, having the ability to sell alcohol legally is essential for many hospitality businesses. However, before your hotel can begin serving drinks, you need the right liquor license.

In California, hotels must comply with strict Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) regulations. There are various types of liquor licenses available, but if you’re running a hotel, a Type 70 liquor license is your best option.

This guide will cover:

• What a Type 70 liquor license is and how it differs from other types of California liquor licenses
• The step-by-step process to obtain a liquor license in California
• Costs and legal requirements
• How AAA License Liquor Consulting can help you navigate the process hassle-free

Let’s dive in and ensure your hotel is serving alcohol legally and efficiently.

What Is a Type 70 Liquor License?

A Type 70 liquor license is a specific license type for hotels in California that want to serve alcoholic beverages to their guests. This California liquor license allows hotels to sell beer, wine, and spirits in on-site restaurants, bars, and lounges—but there’s one important restriction:

• Hotels can only serve alcohol to registered guests and their invitees
• Unlike some different types of liquor licenses, this one does not allow sales to the general public
• The license covers beer, wine, and spirits, making it a full alcohol permit

Why Is the Type 70 License So Popular?

The Type 70 liquor license is especially sought-after in California’s top hospitality destinations, including Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and coastal resort towns. Areas like Palm Springs—known for luxury resorts and boutique hotels—have a high demand for hotel alcohol service, making this license essential for businesses in the region.

How Does a Type 70 License Compare to Other Liquor License Types?

Hotels that want to sell alcohol have multiple types of California liquor licenses to choose from. Here’s how the Type 70 license differs from others:

• Type 47 License – A full liquor license for restaurants open to the public, allowing the sale of beer, wine, and spirits
• Type 41 License – For bona fide eating places (restaurants) that only sell beer and wine, but no hard liquor
• Type 48 License – Used by bars and nightclubs that sell alcohol without food service requirements
• Type 20 License – A retail license for liquor stores that authorizes the sale of beer and wine for off-site consumption
• Type 21 License – A general off-sale liquor license, allowing liquor stores to sell alcohol for off-site consumption.

Additional Reading: It might help to also read about What Is the Restaurant Beverage Program in Los Angeles.

To obtain a liquor license in California, hotels must follow strict ABC regulations, including zoning approvals and compliance checks. If your hotel is looking to get a California liquor license, it’s essential to choose the right liquor license type to match your business model.

How to Get a Type 70 Liquor License for Your Hotel in California

Securing a California liquor license for your hotel is essential if you want to serve alcoholic beverages legally. However, the process involves multiple steps, strict regulations, and significant waiting periods. The ABC oversees liquor licensing in the state, ensuring compliance with local and state laws.

With different types of liquor licenses available, choosing the right license type is crucial to avoid delays and unnecessary costs. Whether you’re opening a boutique hotel, a full-service resort, or an extended-stay establishment, following the correct licensing process will help you avoid potential roadblocks.

Step 1: Determine the Right Type of California Liquor License

Not all liquor licenses are the same, and selecting the correct license for your business is the first step. The Type 70 liquor license is the most suitable option for hotels, as it allows the sale of liquor to registered hotel guests and their invitees.

Choosing the wrong license type can result in delays, additional costs, or even denial of your application. Consulting an expert or checking with the California ABC can help ensure you pick the right option.

Step 2: Apply with the California ABC

Once you’ve determined the license you need, the next step is applying with the ABC. The application process includes:

• Filling out an ABC Liquor License Application – This requires details about your business, ownership structure, and intended alcohol service areas.
• Paying application fees – The cost varies depending on the liquor license type and the county where your hotel is located.
• Background checks and fingerprinting – The ABC requires all applicants to pass a background check to ensure compliance with state laws.
• Site inspection – An ABC agent will visit your hotel to ensure it meets zoning and licensing regulations.

Applying for a liquor license in California can be a lengthy process, often taking 90 days or longer, depending on location and license type.

Step 3: Handle Local Regulations and Zoning Laws

Before you can receive the license, your business must comply with local zoning laws and alcohol regulations. Some cities and counties impose additional restrictions on where alcohol can be served, the type of alcohol allowed, and operating hours.

To avoid complications:

• Check with local zoning offices to confirm your hotel meets alcohol service requirements.
• If needed, for example in Los Angeles, apply for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to obtain approval for alcohol sales.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, as required for on-sale licenses.

Skipping this step can result in denied applications or delays in obtaining a liquor license.

Step 4: Post Public Notices and Wait for Approval

California requires businesses applying for an ABC type 70 liquor license to notify the public about their application. This involves:

• Posting a Public Notice: Display a notice at the proposed premises for at least 30 consecutive days.

In some cases, additional steps may be required:

• Publishing a Newspaper Notice: Depending on local regulations, you might need to publish a notice in a local newspaper.

• Mailing Notices to Nearby Residents: You may be required to mail notices to residents and property owners within a 500-foot radius of your hotel.

In some cases, opposition from the community or law enforcement can delay or complicate the approval process. The ABC considers all objections before issuing the liquor license type requested.

Once your application is approved, your hotel will receive the license and can legally sell alcohol to guests. However, ongoing compliance with ABC regulations is required to maintain your license.

How Long Does It Take to Get a California Liquor License?

The process of obtaining a liquor license varies according to the liquor license type and location. On average, approval takes:

• 3-6 months for a standard Type 70 liquor license application.
• Longer if there are objections or additional local requirements.
• Faster processing may be available by purchasing a pre-existing liquor license instead of applying for a new one.

Getting a California liquor license for your hotel is an essential step in creating a high-quality guest experience. While the process can be complex, ensuring you choose the right type of license and follow all ABC liquor license regulations will help streamline approval.

Need expert help to obtain a liquor license hassle-free? AAA License Liquor Consulting specializes in assisting businesses with the licensing process, making it easier and faster for hotels to comply with state regulations.

How Much Does a Type 70 Liquor License Cost?

The cost of a California liquor license is straightforward—it’s issued directly by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) for $7,320.00. Unlike other types of liquor licenses that may be bought and sold on the open market, this one doesn’t have a fluctuating market value. 

Additional Reading: Learn how to Simplify Your Liquor License Transfer: Expert Tips for California Business Owners.

Buying vs. Applying for a New License

If you need to get your hotel’s liquor license quickly, purchasing an existing one can be faster but more expensive. Here’s a comparison of the two options:

Buying an Existing License

• Immediate availability
• Avoids long wait times for approval
• Higher upfront costs

Applying for a New License

• More affordable upfront
• Suitable for areas with available licenses
• Requires ABC approval, which can take several months
• May face zoning restrictions or public notice challenges

Other Liquor License Options for Hotels

If your hotel also operates a full-service restaurant or standalone bar, other types of liquor licenses may be a better fit:

• Type 47 License – A full-service restaurant license that allows beer, wine, and spirits sales to the general public.
• Type 48 License – Used by establishments that primarily serve alcohol, such as bars and nightclubs, with no food service requirements.

A Type 70 liquor license is a major investment, but it’s essential for hotels that want to sell alcohol legally in California. Whether you choose to apply for a new license or buy an existing one, understanding the costs and process will help you make the best decision for your business.

Get Your Type 70 Liquor License Hassle-Free with AAA License Liquor Consulting

Navigating the California ABC liquor license process can be overwhelming, but AAA License Liquor Consulting makes it simple. Whether you need a Type 70 liquor license for your hotel, a Type 47 license for full-service restaurants, or a Type 48 liquor license for a bar, our experts handle the paperwork, approvals, and zoning requirements so you can focus on running your business.

Let the Experts Handle It

Don’t let licensing delays hold you back. Whether you need to obtain a new liquor license in California or purchase an existing one, AAA License Liquor Consulting ensures a smooth and stress-free process. Get in touch today!