41 - On-Sale Beer & Wine - Eating Place restaurant License

A Type 41 On-Sale Beer and Wine – Eating Place Liquor License in California permits restaurants to sell beer and wine for on-premises consumption. This license is specifically for bona fide eating establishments, meaning the primary business must be the preparation and serving of meals to guests. The sale of beer and wine must complement the dining experience, and customers cannot purchase alcohol without ordering food.

With a Type 41 license, restaurants can offer beer and wine for both on-site consumption (with meals) and off-sale (to-go in sealed containers), provided the alcohol is only beer and wine. Distilled spirits, such as liquor, are not allowed under this license type. The restaurant must maintain its status as a bona fide eating place by having a functional kitchen, preparing a variety of meals, and generating the majority of its revenue from food sales rather than alcohol.

The process of obtaining a Type 41 license involves applying with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, pass background checks, and comply with local zoning and planning ordinances. Like other licenses, the Type 41 may be subject to public review, and in certain areas, there might be restrictions on the number of licenses issued due to population density or proximity to schools and churches.

The Type 41 license is ideal for restaurants, cafes, and other eateries that want to offer a full dining experience with beer and wine pairings. It enhances the customer experience and can contribute to increased revenue, but it is essential for restaurants to comply with all regulations regarding the sale of alcohol.