Los Angeles Liquor License
Get Your Liquor License in Los Angeles Hassle-Free with AAA License Liquor Consulting
Getting a liquor license in Los Angeles County requires approval from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). The process covers eligibility review, ABC paperwork, zoning compliance, public hearings, and final permit issuance, and typically takes 45 to 90 days. AAA Liquor License Consulting has guided over 1,000 Los Angeles businesses through this process in our 40+ years of operation. We handle every step, so you can focus on opening your doors.
Types of Liquor Licenses and Privileges in Los Angeles
Off-Sale Beer and Wine
Authorizes the sale of beer and wine for off-premises consumption. Common for grocery stores, convenience stores, and wine shops. Does not include distilled spirits.
Off-Sale General License
On-Sale Beer & Wine – Eating Place
On-Sale Beer & Wine – Public Premises
Enables bars, taverns, and lounges to sell beer and wine on-premises without a food service requirement. Must comply with local zoning laws and ABC public convenience standards.
On-Sale General License
On-Sale General – Bar / Nightclub
Bed and Breakfast Inn – General
On-Sale General Brewpub
Designed for brewpubs and microbreweries. Permits on-site sales of beer, wine, and spirits, plus production of beer for on- or off-premises sale. Requires health department approvals and compliance with brewing regulations.
We Serve All 58 Counties in California
Based in Los Angeles, AAA Liquor License Consulting serves businesses throughout California and nationwide. Explore our county-specific liquor license services below or view our full California liquor license guide.
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
- Riverside
- San Bernardino
- Orange
- Ventura
- Santa Barbara
- Fresno
- Kern
- Alameda
- San Francisco
- Contra Costa
- San Mateo
- Solano
- Placer
- Sacramento
- San Joaquin
- Santa Clara
- Stanislaus
- Imperial
Find the Perfect Liquor License for Your Los Angeles Business
On-Sale Licenses
On-sale licenses allow your customers to consume alcohol on your premises. They apply to restaurants (Type 41, 47), bars and nightclubs (Type 42, 48), brewpubs (Type 75), and bed-and-breakfasts (Type 67). If guests will be drinking on-site, you need an on-sale license.
Off-Sale Licenses
Off-sale licenses cover alcohol sold for consumption off the premises — think liquor stores, grocery stores, and convenience stores. A Type 21 covers all spirits, beer, and wine, while a Type 20 covers beer and wine only.
Conditional Use Permits (CUP) for Zoning Compliance
In Los Angeles, most businesses that sell alcohol on- or off-premises also need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or a Conditional Use Beverage (CUB) permit from the LA City Planning Department. A CUP or CUB ensures your business meets local zoning requirements before the ABC approves your license. Our team handles both the ABC application and the CUP/CUB process, including representing you at city planning hearings.”
How Much Does a Los Angeles Liquor License Cost?
On-Sale General Los Angeles Liquor License (Type 47/48)
The costs for a TyFull-liquor licenses for restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in Los Angeles carry a market value of $120,000–$150,000. Prices vary based on neighborhood, buyer demand, and license history. Type 47s require food as the primary business. Type 48s do not. Both require a CUP in most LA locations.pe 47/48 license, which allows the sale of all types of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises varies based on market value but it typically ranges from $120,000 to $150,000. This license is perfect for bars, nightclubs, and full-service restaurants.
Off-Sale General Los Angeles Liquor License (Type 21)
The Type 21 license is the standard for liquor stores and convenience stores selling beer, wine, and spirits for off-premises consumption. Market value in Los Angeles typically falls between $15,000 and $25,000, depending on location and quota availability.
Beer and Wine License (Type 41)
For restaurants and cafes that want to serve beer and wine — but not spirits — a Type 41 is the most cost-effective option. The ABC application fee starts at $1,595, making this the most accessible entry point for new restaurant owners in Los Angeles.
Special Event Permits
Planning a one-day festival, private party, or fundraiser? Special event permits allow you to serve alcohol legally at off-site events. Permit costs typically range from $100 to $200 per day. Our team handles the application to ensure full compliance with local and state regulations.
Don’t let the complex liquor licensing process stand in the way of your business success.
Contact AAA License Liquor Consulting today for a free consultation. Let us guide you through every step of the process, so you can focus on running a thriving, compliant business.
Full-Service Los Angeles Liquor License Support — From Application to Approval
Our team has managed thousands of ABC applications across Los Angeles County. We don’t just file paperwork — we handle every detail, represent you at hearings, and stay with you through the entire process until your license is in hand.
Application Preparation and Compliance Checks
A complete, accurate application is your best defense against delays. We prepare every document, verify your zoning permits and sales tax permits, and confirm your premises meet ABC requirements before we file. Errors and omissions are the #1 cause of delays — we eliminate them upfront.
Representation at Hearings
When a CUP or CUB is required — which is common in Los Angeles — a public hearing before city planners is mandatory. We represent you at every hearing, handle all formal notices to city and county officials, and present your case to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and local planning departments. Our established relationships with LA-area agencies give your application the best possible standing.
Post-Approval Support and License Renewals
Getting your license is just the beginning. We provide ongoing support for renewals, license modifications, ownership transfers, and escrow management. If your business changes — new location, new ownership, or expanded privileges — we ensure your license stays current and compliant.
Why Los Angeles Businesses Choose AAA Liquor License Consulting
AAA Liquor License Consulting is led by Jason B. Kho, a Licensed ABC Consultant and Licensed Business Opportunity Intermediary based in Los Angeles. Jason has personally overseen more than 1,000 successful license transactions across California in his 40+ year career — making AAA one of the most experienced liquor license consulting firms in the state.
We know the Los Angeles market inside and out. We understand how different ABC district offices operate, which neighborhoods face the most zoning scrutiny, and how to move applications forward when obstacles arise. That local expertise translates directly into faster approvals and fewer surprises for our clients.
Our services are fully personalized. Whether you’re a first-time restaurant owner applying for a Type 41, a hotel managing an ABC violation, or a retiring bar owner looking to sell a Type 48 at maximum value, we tailor our approach to your specific situation. Every client gets a dedicated consultant, direct communication, and a clear plan from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the license type. A Type 47 or Type 48 full-liquor license in Los Angeles typically sells for $120,000 to $150,000 on the open market. A Type 21 off-sale license generally runs $15,000 to $25,000. A Type 41 beer-and-wine restaurant license carries an ABC application fee starting at $1,595. Prices also vary by neighborhood — licenses in high-demand areas like West Hollywood or Beverly Hills often command a premium. Contact us for a current market estimate specific to your location and license type.
According to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), most investigations take approximately 45 to 90 days. Person-to-person transfers average 75 days, and original applications average 90 days. These timelines can extend if your application is incomplete, if a public hearing is required, or if there are local zoning complications. AAA Liquor License Consulting helps you submit a complete, accurate application on the first try — minimizing delays from the start.
You apply through the California ABC at its Los Angeles district office. The process involves completing the ABC application with all required documents, verifying zoning and sales tax permits, attending any required public hearings, notifying city and county officials, and receiving final ABC approval. Most Los Angeles businesses will also need a CUP or CUB from the LA City Planning Department. AAA Liquor License Consulting manages every step on your behalf.
Yes. A liquor license transfer requires notifying the ABC, submitting a transfer application, complying with escrow and transfer process requirements, and attending any required hearings. The buyer must qualify under ABC rules. Our team vets both parties, manages the escrow, and handles all documentation to ensure a smooth, compliant transaction.
Selling starts with verifying the license is transferable and pricing it accurately for the current LA market. Our consultants handle the complete transfer process — from vetting qualified buyers in our network to managing escrow and submitting the ABC transfer application. We’ve completed hundreds of license sales across Los Angeles County. Learn more about selling your liquor license.