San Diego County Type 20 Liquor License For Beer And Wine Off Sale
San Diego County’s convenience stores, neighborhood markets, and fuel stations rely on Type 20 licenses to offer packaged beer and wine to-go. Whether you are opening a new store or purchasing an existing one, your off-sale beer-and-wine strategy will have a major impact on competitiveness and value.
Liquor License Agents helps San Diego County owners and buyers evaluate Type 20 opportunities, navigate ABC requirements, and coordinate licensing with city or county land use approvals.
What The Type 20 Beer And Wine Off Sale License Authorizes In San Diego
A Type 20 license authorizes the off-sale of beer and wine. In San Diego County, a Type 20 license generally allows you to:
- Sell beer, malt beverages, and wine in sealed containers for off-site consumption
- Stock chilled and shelf-stable products in coolers, aisles, and end caps
- Integrate beer-and-wine sections into convenience stores, small markets, and grocery formats
- Operate strictly as an off-sale premises, without on-premises alcohol consumption
Because it excludes spirits, the Type 20 license is often more accessible and less costly than a Type 21 full-liquor license, while still supporting solid alcohol sales.
Is A Type 20 License Right For Your Convenience Store, Market, Or Gas Station
A Type 20 license may be the best fit if:
- Your main business is groceries, convenience items, or fuel, and alcohol is an important but secondary revenue stream
- You do not need to sell spirits, or you are comfortable focusing on beer and wine only
- Your store layout supports a modest but competitive packaged beer-and-wine set
- You want to match or exceed nearby stores that already offer beer and wine to-go
If your concept is a dedicated liquor store or you want a large spirits selection, a Type 21 license may be more appropriate. We help you compare Type 20 and Type 21 options using your actual store design and financial projections.
How Liquor License Agents Helps Type 20 Buyers And Sellers In San Diego County
Type 20 licenses frequently move with business sales, franchise transfers, and store remodels. Each step must be handled carefully to protect license value and avoid disruptions.
Liquor License Agents supports Type 20 projects by:
- Reviewing your location, store layout, and competition to confirm a Type 20 strategy makes sense
- Explaining whether a new license is realistic, or whether you should focus on buying and transferring an existing license
- Assisting with valuation and negotiation when a Type 20 license is part of a purchase or sale
- Preparing ABC applications, premises diagrams, and ownership disclosures that accurately represent your operations
- Coordinating with city and county planning staff on zoning, CUP conditions, security, and proximity to sensitive uses
- Tracking ABC review, monitoring public posting periods, and helping you respond to any questions or protests
Our goal is to keep licensing aligned with your lease dates, tenant improvements, and grand opening plans.
San Diego County Type 20 Liquor License FAQs
1. What products can I sell with a California Type 20 beer and wine license?
With a Type 20 license, you can sell beer, malt beverages, and wine in sealed containers for off-sale consumption. Spirits and hard liquor are not authorized under this license.
2. Can I sell chilled beer and wine to go with a Type 20 license in San Diego?
Yes. Chilled beer and wine sales are standard for Type 20 licensees, especially at convenience stores and gas stations. You must still comply with ABC rules and local regulations regarding age verification, display, and hours of sale.
3. Do I need a minimum percentage of grocery or food sales for a Type 20 license?
There is no single statewide percentage requirement written into the Type 20 statute, but ABC and local jurisdictions look at your overall business model. Your store should clearly function as a legitimate retail operation, not as an unlicensed bar. We help you align your product mix and layout with the expectations for a retail off-sale license.
4. Can I transfer a Type 20 license when I buy or sell a store in San Diego County?
Yes. Type 20 licenses are often transferred along with the sale of a convenience store, market, or fuel station. Transfers require ABC approval, background review, and public posting. Properly coordinating escrow and license transfer prevents gaps in your ability to sell beer and wine.
5. How long does it typically take to obtain or transfer a Type 20 license in San Diego?
Plan for several months from application to final approval. ABC review workload, local approvals, build-out schedules, and any protests can all affect timing. Starting early and submitting complete, accurate paperwork is one of the best ways to keep your project on schedule.
6. What zoning, CUP, or proximity rules affect Type 20 licenses near schools or churches?
San Diego jurisdictions commonly apply zoning rules, CUP conditions, and distance guidelines for alcohol outlets near schools, churches, parks, and residential areas. These rules may affect your hours, security plan, and store design. We review your site’s zoning and any applicable CUP to clarify what is required before you commit to a license strategy.
Schedule an Appointment | (800) 799-9081
If you are planning to open, acquire, or remodel a convenience store, market, or gas station in San Diego County and want to add or keep beer-and-wine sales, you can call (800) 799-9081 to schedule an appointment and review Type 20 options, pricing, and timelines with an experienced advisor.