San Diego County Type 23 Small Beer Manufacturer License
San Diego County has become a major craft beer hub, with small breweries and taprooms serving neighborhoods, visitors, and wholesale accounts. The California Type 23 small beer manufacturer license is often the right choice for these operations.
Liquor License Agents helps San Diego brewers and founders design Type 23 strategies that support production, taproom service, and measured growth.
What The California Type 23 Small Beer Manufacturer License Authorizes
A Type 23 license is built for small-scale beer manufacturers. In San Diego County, it typically allows you to:
- Brew beer at your licensed premises within specific annual production limits
- Sell your beer for on-sale consumption in an on-site tasting room or taproom, where allowed
- Sell packaged beer to-go from the brewery for off-sale consumption
- Self-distribute beer to retailers within the framework of California law
The license balances production flexibility with a regulatory structure geared to small brewers.
When A Type 23 License Fits Your San Diego Brewery Or Taproom Concept
A Type 23 license may be appropriate if:
- You plan modest to medium production volumes, rather than large industrial output
- A taproom or tasting room is central to your brand and revenue mix
- You want the option to self-distribute to select bars, restaurants, or retailers
- Your focus is on community presence, quality, and brand-building rather than high-volume distribution
If you expect to grow beyond small manufacturer limits, we help you look at alternative structures that match your expansion plans.
How Liquor License Agents Supports Type 23 Licensing In San Diego County
Small breweries must reconcile brewing needs with industrial or commercial zoning, parking, and neighborhood compatibility.
Liquor License Agents supports Type 23 projects by:
- Reviewing your production goals, taproom design, and site plan to confirm Type 23 suitability
- Preparing ABC applications, diagrams, and ownership disclosures that clearly separate brewing and public areas
- Coordinating with planning, building, and public works on zoning, fire, wastewater, and noise management
- Explaining how on-sale, off-sale, and self-distribution privileges work in practical terms
- Assisting with license transfers when you acquire an existing brewery space or brand
- Monitoring ABC review and helping you respond to conditions, questions, or protests
We aim to give you a predictable licensing path so you can focus on recipes, branding, and guest experience.
San Diego County Type 23 Small Beer Manufacturer License FAQs
1. What can I brew and sell with a California Type 23 small beer manufacturer license?
You may brew beer at your licensed premises and sell it on-site in your tasting room, in packaged form to-go, and, within legal limits, through self-distribution to other licensees. All activities must comply with ABC rules and your local land use approvals.
2. What production limits or barrel caps apply to a Type 23 license in San Diego County?
Type 23 licenses are capped at specific annual production thresholds set in California law to distinguish small brewers from large manufacturers. Your projected volume must fit within those limits. We compare your business plan against current caps to confirm that Type 23 will work long term.
3. Can I operate a tasting room or taproom under a Type 23 license in San Diego?
Yes. Many Type 23 licensees run taprooms with pints, flights, and events. Whether a taproom is permitted on your site depends on zoning, parking, and neighborhood conditions. We help you align licensing with city or county requirements for on-site hospitality.
4. Am I allowed to self distribute beer to retailers with a Type 23 license?
Type 23 licensees often have self-distribution privileges that allow direct sales to retailers, subject to reporting and other requirements. Used correctly, self-distribution is a powerful brand-building tool. We explain how to use this privilege without creating regulatory issues.
5. How long does it usually take to obtain a Type 23 license in San Diego County?
Most projects need several months, especially when construction, equipment installation, and inspections are involved. ABC review, local approvals, and build-out schedules all affect timing. Starting licensing early and submitting complete documentation helps prevent surprises.
6. What zoning or industrial land use issues affect small breweries in San Diego?
Breweries often occupy industrial, light-industrial, or certain commercial zones. Each has rules about noise, truck traffic, parking, and hours. Taprooms in mixed-use or residential-adjacent areas can face added scrutiny. We work with you and local planners to select a site and design that support your brewery’s long-term success.
Schedule an Appointment | (800) 799-9081
If you are planning a brewery or taproom in San Diego County and want to pursue a Type 23 small beer manufacturer license, you can call (800) 799-9081 to schedule an appointment and review licensing, zoning, and growth planning with an experienced advisor.