If you want to apply for a liquor license in California, then there are a couple of things that you need to keep in mind. First of all, you are going to need to decide what kind of license you are looking for. There are 5 main types:

• On-Sale General - This is the broadest category of license that you can get in California. If you want to sell any type of alcohol with the least number of restrictions, then you need an on-sale general license. This allows you to sell any (legal) alcohol to customers and allows it to be consumed on the premises. If you want to run a facility with a full bar, this is what you need.
• Off-Sale General - This category allows you to sell any type of alcohol with the caveat that it must be consumed off the premises. Therefore, the alcohol must be sold in sealed containers. If you want to run a liquor store, or some other facility that sells alcohol, you need an off-sale general license.
• On-Sale Beer and Wine - This license lets you sell any wine or beer and allows it to be consumed on the premises. If you run a restaurant, then you will likely need an on-sale beer and wine license.
• Off-Sale Beer and Wine - This license lets you sell beer and wine, but only in closed containers. Again, the alcohol must be consumed off the premises. If you own a store that wants to stock a small selection of alcohol, then this is the license for you.
• On-Sale Beer - Finally, if you just want to sell beer, then you probably want an on-sale beer license. This lets you sell any sort of beer and allows it to be consumed on the premises. If you want to run a sports bar or a family restaurant, then an on-sale beer license is a good option.

Once you have decided what kind of license you want, you will need to research the application process for that specific license. Each application is a little different, but you can expect the entire process to take around 75-90 days, depending on your circumstances.

Regardless of what license you have, you will need to renew it once every 12 months. The renewal process involves a nominal fee and you will get your new license about a month after your old one expires.

If you are planning on expanding or moving your business to another state, you will have to keep in mind that each state has its own application process. Be sure to contact a local service that can help you with the application process, such as Arizona Liquor Industry Consultants if you are considering opening a store in Arizona, or a similar service if you are expanding to Nevada or Oregon.