How long does a liquor license take in California?
Usually about 57 days from filing to license in California; most take between 49 and 67 days. Measured on California filings we followed from application to the license the state issued.
By license type
| License | Usually | Most take |
|---|---|---|
| Type 41, restaurant beer & wine | 60 days | 50–70 days |
The clock starts on the date California records the application and stops on the date the ABC issues the license. Local sign-offs, inspections, protests and missing paperwork are what push a filing past the usual range.
Watching filings as they move
Every new California filing is on the California page the morning after it appears, and subscribers get it by email with the business, address and license type. A filing's approval is the day a place can open: the moment insurance, point-of-sale and beverage reps want to have called already.