Solano County Liquor License

Your Solano County Liquor License, Handled Start to Finish

Getting a liquor license in Solano County can feel like a maze of paperwork, deadlines, and local rules that are easy to miss if you do not deal with them every day. That is where AAA Liquor License Consulting comes in. We know Solano County inside and out, from city-specific requirements to ABC approvals, and we guide you through every step with clarity and confidence. Whether you are opening a new bar, buying an existing restaurant, or transferring a license, our experts simplify the process and help you move forward faster, so you can focus on building your business, not battling bureaucracy.

Types of Licenses and Privileges in Solano County

When it comes to selling or serving alcohol in Solano County, choosing the right license is one of the most important decisions you will make. License types vary based on your type of business, how alcoholic beverages are served, and whether consumption happens on-site or off-site. Restaurants and bars, liquor stores, clubs, and new business owners all face different application requirements under the California Alcoholic Beverage Control. 

At AAA Liquor License Consulting, we help you navigate the licensing process from start to finish. From understanding zoning rules and use permits to coordinating with the local district office, our consultants make the process quick and efficient. We guide you through liquor license costs, license fees, escrow issues, and the process of buying or selling a county liquor license for sale. 

Type 20

License (Off-Sale Beer and Wine):

Allows for the sale of beer and wine for off-premises consumption. This license is common for convenience stores, small markets, and some liquor stores. Beer sales and wine license privileges apply only to off-site consumption.

Type 21

License (Off-Sale General):

Permits the sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits for off-site consumption. This retail license is ideal for liquor stores and businesses selling a full range of alcoholic beverages.

Type 41

License (On-Sale Beer and Wine Eating Place):

Designed for restaurants offering food service where patrons consume beer and wine on the licensed premises. This on-sale beer and wine license supports alcohol service alongside meals.

Type 47

License (On-Sale General Eating Place):

A popular option for restaurants and bars, the Type 47 license allows for the sale of beer, wine, and spirits with on-site consumption. A Type 47 license requires bona fide food service and meets strict application requirement.

Type 48

License (On-Sale General Public Premises):

Commonly used by bars, nightclubs, and lounges, this on-sale general license allows alcohol service without mandatory food service. Alcoholic beverage licensees must comply with zoning, conditional use permit rules, and local and state regulations.

Ready to Get Your Liquor License and Start Serving Customers?

The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control regulates all licenses issued in the state of California, and each license application must meet strict requirements under ABC regulations and the Business and Professions Code. Knowing which license fits your business goals from the start helps ensure a smooth process with ease and avoids costly delays. Liquor licenses vary based on how alcohol is sold or served, where consumption takes place, and whether your operation is retail or non-retail. Below are the three general categories that cover most types of Solano County liquor licenses.

On-Sale Licenses:

These licenses allow businesses to serve alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises. Common for restaurants, bars, and venues serving members and guests, on-sale licenses support full beverage service, including when you serve beer, wine, or spirits as part of your operation.

Off-Sale Licenses:

Off-sale licenses permit the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption off the premises. These licenses are ideal for businesses that sell beer, wine, or spirits to go, and the license varies depending on your inventory and business needs.

Non-Retail Licenses:

Non-retail licenses apply to manufacturers, wholesalers, and other entities involved in alcohol distribution rather than direct sales to consumers. These licenses involve additional legal obligations, federal basic permit requirements, and compliance with the ABC.

Solano Liquor License Prices You Should Know

In California, the ABC sets official application and annual fees that every applicant must pay when submitting a license application or renewal with the state. These fees are separate from the market value of licenses that are bought or sold on the open market in Solano County, and they help cover the cost of processing, review, and enforcement under ABC regulations. 

Here’s a breakdown of typical liquor license prices you might encounter as you start selling beer, wine, or full liquor in Solano County:

ABC Application Fees (State Fees):

When you submit a license application for a new or original license, fees depend on the types of liquor licenses involved. For General – Priority licenses such as Type 47 or Type 48, the ABC application fee is $19,315. For non-priority general licenses or non-general categories, the application fee is $1,105. These fees are required when applying for your specific premises and are set by the state of California.

Annual Renewal Fees:

Annual fees are also due at the time of application and renewal. For on-sale general licenses, annual costs typically range from $790 to $1,235, depending on license type and local population. These ongoing fees are part of maintaining your California liquor license year after year.

Transfer and Intercounty Fees:

If you purchase a license on the open market, ABC charges a $1,525 transfer fee for general licenses in person-to-person transactions. If a license is moved from another county, an intercounty transfer fee of $7,320 applies. These fees are paid directly to the California Department and are separate from the license purchase price.

Open Market Prices and Escrow Costs:

California liquor licenses are bought and sold on the open market, and prices vary widely by county. For context, in counties like Solano County, a Type 47 on-sale general license can sell for around $48,000, purely due to market demand. Escrow fees usually start around $1,400, with additional notice and recording costs. These market premiums and escrow costs are separate from ABC fees.

What’s the Real Cost of a Liquor License in Solano County?

The fastest way to get an accurate number is to talk with experts who track real-time listings, recent sales, and upcoming availability every day. That is where AAA Liquor License Consulting comes in. Our consultants walk you through current pricing, explain your total costs upfront, and help you find the right license without guesswork or surprises. Ready for clear answers and a smoother process? Get in touch today.

How We Make the Liquor License Process Easy from Start to Finish

At AAA Liquor License Consulting, our services are designed to take the stress out of buying or selling a liquor license so you can focus on running your Solano County business. We work closely with local and state agencies, allowing us to move your application forward quickly and efficiently while ensuring full compliance at every stage. From verifying eligibility to securing the right license, our experts guide you step by step, making sure you meet the requirements and avoid costly missteps.

Initial Consultation & Eligibility Review:

We start by reviewing your business plan, location, and goals to confirm eligibility and determine the best licensing path for your Solano County business.

License Matching & Market Review:

We identify which licenses are perfect for your needs and, when applicable, use trusted license locators to help source available licenses at current market pricing.

Prequalification of Buyers and Sellers:

To ensure a smooth transaction, we prequalify all parties involved, reducing delays and increasing the chances of approval.

Application Preparation & Filing:

Our team handles the paperwork required for obtaining a liquor license, ensuring your application is accurate, complete, and submitted correctly the first time.

Agency Coordination & Compliance Management:

We work directly with regulatory agencies and monitor compliance with alcohol and tobacco tax rules, excise tax obligations, and other state and federal requirements.

Approval, Transfer & Finalization:

Whether you are buying or selling, we manage the final steps, keeping the process moving quickly and efficiently until your license is issued or transferred.

AAA Liquor License Consulting is committed to outstanding service, full transparency, and competitive pricing with no hidden fees. We provide real-time pricing tailored to your specific situation and stay on top of legal changes so your licensing strategy remains up to date. 

In a bustling bar, where a Solano County liquor license proudly hangs, two vibrant cocktails—one red and one green—are artfully garnished with leaves by skilled hands.

Your Go-To Experts for Liquor Licenses in Solano County

When it comes to getting a liquor license, experience matters. AAA Liquor License Consulting brings clarity, speed, and confidence to a process that often feels overwhelming. We combine deep local knowledge, strong relationships with regulatory agencies, and real-time market insight to help you move forward without delays or surprises. From your first question to final approval, we handle the details, protect your interests, and keep everything compliant, so you can focus on growing your business. Let’s make your liquor licensing process simple, efficient, and successful. Reach out!

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or transfer an alcohol license, having the right information is crucial to ensure a smooth process. Below, you’ll find answers to common questions about liquor licenses, helping you make informed decisions for your business.

Yes. A license is required to sell alcoholic beverages in Solano County, regardless of whether you plan to serve beer and wine with food, operate a full bar, or sell alcohol for off-site consumption. Any business handling alcoholic beverages must go through the proper license application process with the state.

There are several license types, and the right one depends on how and where alcohol is sold. Types of Solano County liquor include on-sale licenses for consumption on the premises, off-sale licenses for retail sales, and non-retail licenses for manufacturers or distributors. Understanding the types of liquor licenses early on helps avoid delays and unnecessary costs.

Liquor license costs vary based on license type, availability, and whether you are applying for a new license or purchasing one on the open market. In addition to market prices, you will also pay state license fees, application fees, and possible transfer costs. We help clients understand the full picture so there are no surprises.

Application requirements typically include background checks, financial disclosures, business formation documents, and details about your location and leasehold. You must also demonstrate that your business complies with zoning rules and local regulations before a license can be issued.

Secure Your Liquor License Today

Book a consultation with our experts to get a tailored plan for your liquor licensing needs.