San Diego County Type 85 Limited Off Sale Wine License
Not every San Diego retailer needs a full beer-and-wine or spirits license. For specialty concepts that want a curated wine program as a complement to their primary business, the Type 85 limited off-sale wine license can be a better fit.
Liquor License Agents advises San Diego County owners and developers on whether a Type 85 license aligns with their concept, then guides them through application or transfer.
What The California Type 85 Limited Off Sale Wine License Authorizes
A Type 85 license provides limited off-sale wine privileges. In San Diego County, it typically allows you to:
- Sell wine in sealed containers for off-site consumption under specific conditions
- Integrate a focused wine offering into a specialty or membership-based retail model
- Keep alcohol as a complement to your primary business, rather than the main attraction
Beer and spirits are not included. The scope is narrower than a standard Type 20 off-sale beer-and-wine license.
When A Type 85 License Makes Sense For Your San Diego Retail Concept
A Type 85 license may be appropriate if:
- Your business is built around a specialty, lifestyle, or membership concept where wine is an added amenity
- You do not need shelves of beer and spirits like a traditional market or liquor store
- You want your alcohol program to support your brand rather than define it
- Your premises design and merchandising reflect a curated, limited wine experience
If you intend to operate like a typical convenience store, grocery, or liquor store, a Type 20 or Type 21 license is usually more suitable. We help you decide which structure fits your long-term plans.
How Liquor License Agents Supports Type 85 Buyers And Sellers In San Diego County
Because Type 85 licenses are specialized, ABC pays close attention to how wine will be integrated.
Liquor License Agents supports Type 85 projects by:
- Evaluating your concept, layout, and marketing to determine whether Type 85 is realistic
- Comparing Type 85 privileges with Type 20 and other off-sale options for your business plan
- Preparing ABC applications, diagrams, and descriptive materials that clearly outline your limited wine program
- Coordinating with city planning and code staff on zoning, signage, and any display or sampling conditions
- Assisting with license transfers when a Type 85 license is included in a business sale
- Monitoring ABC review and helping you respond to questions or proposed limitations
We work to secure a license that allows you to offer wine confidently, without unexpected compliance issues.
San Diego County Type 85 Limited Off Sale Wine License FAQs
1. What can I sell with a California Type 85 limited off sale wine license?
You can sell wine in sealed containers for off-sale consumption, within the limits and conditions approved by ABC. Beer and spirits are not authorized under a Type 85 license.
2. How does a Type 85 license differ from a Type 20 beer and wine license?
A Type 20 license allows broader off-sale beer-and-wine sales, typically used by groceries, convenience stores, and similar retailers. A Type 85 license is narrower, focusing on limited wine sales in concept-specific environments. It is intended for specialty or membership-style operations, not general liquor retail.
3. What kinds of retailers typically qualify for a Type 85 license in San Diego County?
Type 85 licenses often fit curated or membership-based businesses where wine is a supporting feature, such as certain gourmet, lifestyle, or experiential concepts. The space should clearly read as a specialized business, not as a standard liquor store or market.
4. Are there display, sampling, or marketing limitations with a Type 85 license?
Yes. ABC may limit how and where wine is displayed, the nature of in-store tastings, and how prominently wine appears in your marketing. We explain these limits during planning so your store design and promotions stay compliant.
5. Can a Type 85 license be transferred when I buy or sell a business in San Diego?
Often, yes. A Type 85 license may be transferred to a buyer whose concept still fits the limited off-sale wine framework, subject to ABC review and approval. We coordinate the transfer with your transaction timeline to minimize disruption.
6. How long does it usually take to obtain or transfer a Type 85 license in San Diego County?
Expect a process of several months. ABC review, public posting, and local approvals all play a role. Clear, detailed applications that accurately describe your limited wine program help reduce back-and-forth with regulators.
Schedule an Appointment | (800) 799-9081
If you are planning a specialty or membership-based retail concept in San Diego County and want to add a curated wine program, you can call (800) 799-9081 to schedule an appointment and review whether a Type 85 license or another off-sale option is best for your goals.