Malibu Type 61 Beer Manufacturer License (Brewpub) – Malibu Type 61 License
Entrepreneurs and restaurateurs in Malibu who want to brew their own beer on-site and serve it directly to guests alongside food need a California Liquor License Type 61, commonly known as the Brewpub license. Malibu's creative, independent spirit and its community of residents who prize artisanal, locally sourced food and beverage experiences make a Type 61 brewpub an intriguing concept for the right operator—a place where small-batch beer brewed with coastal California character could be served alongside locally sourced food in one of the world's most beautiful settings. The Type 61 is issued to a beer manufacturer who also operates a bona fide eating place on the same licensed premises, allowing them to manufacture beer, serve it on-site with meals, and sell it to go in certain packaged formats.
What the Type 61 License Authorizes in Malibu
A Type 61 license in Malibu generally allows you to:
• Manufacture beer on the licensed premises using on-site brewing equipment
• Serve beer manufactured on-site for on-premises consumption with meals at a bona fide eating place
• Sell beer to go in sealed containers such as growlers and crowlers
• Operate a taproom or restaurant as part of the same licensed premises
• Sell or transfer beer to other licensees under certain conditions
Is a Type 61 License Right for Your Malibu Business?
A Type 61 license may be the right fit if:
• Your Malibu concept combines a working brewery with a restaurant, taproom, or bona fide eating place on the same premises
• You want to manufacture your own branded beer and serve it directly to your guests
• Your business model centers on the craft brewing experience alongside a food program
• You want the ability to sell packaged beer to go and potentially self-distribute under California law
How Liquor License Agents Helps Type 61 Buyers and Applicants in Malibu
A Type 61 brewpub license involves both ABC licensing and local permitting for food service, manufacturing, and land use. Malibu and Los Angeles County impose zoning, building, health, and conditional use requirements on top of ABC standards. Liquor License Agents assists by:
• Evaluating your Malibu location for zoning eligibility for both food service and beer manufacturing uses
• Advising on the differences between a Type 61 Brewpub and a Type 23 Beer Manufacturer license so you select the right structure
• Preparing complete ABC applications, premises diagrams, and manufacturing disclosures for your brewpub operation
• Coordinating with Malibu and county planning, building, and health departments on CUPs, manufacturing permits, and operational approvals
• Assisting with the structural and operational requirements ABC imposes on beer manufacturers and brewpub operators
• Tracking ABC processing, responding to questions, and helping you manage any neighborhood input or proposed license conditions
Our goal is to keep license work in sync with your lease, build-out, and opening timeline so alcohol permissions are not the last piece to fall into place.
Malibu Type 61 Liquor License FAQs
What is a Type 61 Brewpub license and how does it work in Malibu?
A Type 61 is a Beer Manufacturer license issued to a business that both manufactures beer on-site and operates a bona fide eating place on the same licensed premises in Malibu. It allows you to brew your own beer, serve it to guests with meals, sell it to go in sealed containers, and in some cases sell or transfer it to other licensees.
What is the difference between a Type 61 Brewpub license and a Type 23 Beer Manufacturer license in Malibu?
A Type 23 is a full-scale Beer Manufacturer license typically used by production breweries that distribute to retailers and other licensees. A Type 61 is specifically designed for the brewpub model—where the primary focus is manufacturing beer and serving it on-site at a bona fide eating place in Malibu. Type 61 licensees are subject to production volume limits and are expected to operate a genuine restaurant alongside the brewery.
Do I need to serve food with a Type 61 Brewpub license in Malibu?
Yes. A Type 61 requires the licensee to operate a bona fide eating place on the same licensed premises. Your Malibu brewpub must have a functioning kitchen capable of producing complete meals and must offer food service whenever the taproom or restaurant is open.
Can I sell my brewery's beer to go with a Type 61 license in Malibu?
Yes. Type 61 licensees in Malibu may sell beer manufactured on the premises in sealed containers such as growlers, crowlers, and cans for off-premises consumption. There are volume and packaging requirements under California law, and you should confirm that your specific packaging format and sales structure comply with current ABC regulations.
What zoning or land use approvals does a brewpub need in Malibu?
Operating a brewpub in Malibu typically requires zoning that permits both food service and light manufacturing uses on the same premises. Los Angeles County and Malibu may require a conditional use permit, business license endorsements for manufacturing, health department permits, and building approvals for brewing equipment installation.
How long does it take to open a Type 61 brewpub in Malibu?
Opening a brewpub in Malibu involves both ABC licensing and a range of local approvals, which means the timeline is typically longer than for a standard restaurant or bar license. Planning for six months to over a year from initial application to opening is reasonable, depending on the condition of your space, the complexity of your build-out, and how quickly Los Angeles County and city approvals move.
Schedule an Appointment | (800) 799-9081
If you are opening, acquiring, or planning a business in Malibu that needs a Type 61 license, call (800) 799-9081 to schedule an appointment and review your options, neighborhood requirements, and deal structures with an experienced advisor.