You need a liquor license from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to sell liquor in Sonoma County.
If you want to sell alcohol in your retail store, you will need a license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). The type of license you apply for will depend on the type of alcohol you sell and where your customers are allowed to consume it.
There are almost 100 different liquor license offered through ABC. The most common licenses for retail businesses are off-sale licenses. Off-sale licenses allow retailers to sell alcohol that cannot be consumed on the premises of the business.
- 20 - Off-sale Beer and Wine License: beer and wine only
- 21 - Off-sale General License: beer, wine, and distilled spirits
- 85 - Limited Off-sale - Wine License: wine only, sales restricted to those solicited and accepted via direct mail, telephone, or the internet (no in-person sales)
This is by no means a comprehensive list, visit the ABC website for a complete list of liquor license options.
There may be additional local permits you have to apply for before you are able to sell alcohol. If your retail business is located in unincorporated Sonoma County, a Use Permit may be required. If your business is located in an incorporated city, check with your local planning and building department before applying.