San Diego County Type 48 Full Liquor License For Bars And Nightclubs
San Diego County is known for its nightlife districts, music venues, and bars that rely on full liquor service in adult-only settings. The Type 48 general on-sale public premises license is the core license for these bar-forward concepts.
Liquor License Agents works with bar owners, nightlife groups, and investors to evaluate Type 48 feasibility, structure purchases, and manage licensing through ABC and local agencies.
What The Type 48 General On Sale Public Premises License Authorizes
A Type 48 license is a general on-sale public premises license. In San Diego County, it generally allows you to:
- Serve spirits, beer, and wine for on-premises consumption at a bar, club, or similar venue
- Operate as a public premises where minors typically may not remain
- Focus on alcohol sales, entertainment, and nightlife without running a full restaurant kitchen
- Offer bottle service, DJs, and live entertainment, subject to CUP and city permits
Type 48 is the standard license for high-energy bar and nightclub concepts.
When A Type 48 License Makes Sense For Your San Diego Bar, Lounge, Or Nightclub
A Type 48 license may be appropriate if:
- Your primary identity is a bar, nightclub, or entertainment venue rather than a restaurant
- You plan to control access at the door, check IDs, and maintain a robust security plan
- Food, if offered, will be secondary or supplied through limited menus or outside vendors
- You are targeting nightlife corridors or entertainment districts where bar uses are common
If your concept is food-first with a strong bar, a Type 47 restaurant license might align better with your operations and neighborhood expectations. We help you weigh these options for each site.
How Liquor License Agents Assists Type 48 Buyers And Sellers In San Diego County
Type 48 licenses are often among the most valuable and closely reviewed licenses in a nightlife market.
Liquor License Agents assists by:
- Evaluating your location, floor plan, and neighborhood context to gauge Type 48 feasibility
- Determining whether you should purchase an existing Type 48 license, given quotas and local conditions
- Assisting with valuation, negotiation, and escrow when a Type 48 license is part of a bar or club sale
- Preparing ABC applications, security plans, and premises diagrams that reflect your operating model
- Coordinating with city planning, police, and code enforcement on CUPs, entertainment permits, and conditions
- Monitoring ABC review, public posting, and any protests, and helping you respond effectively
Our focus is on building a licensing plan that supports your nightlife concept while satisfying regulators and stakeholders.
San Diego County Type 48 Full Liquor Bar License FAQs
1. What can I serve with a California Type 48 general on sale liquor license?
A Type 48 license allows you to serve spirits, beer, and wine for on-premises consumption in a bar or nightclub setting. It is a full liquor license for public premises.
2. Do I need to serve food or operate a kitchen with a Type 48 bar license?
No. A Type 48 license does not require a full kitchen or bona fide eating place. Many Type 48 venues offer light food, pop-ups, or food trucks, but extensive meal service is not required by the license itself. CUP conditions may still address food in particular neighborhoods.
3. Are minors allowed anywhere on the premises under a Type 48 license in San Diego?
Generally, no. A Type 48 license covers public premises where minors may not remain. You will need strong ID procedures, trained staff, and clear signage. We help you integrate these requirements into your operations, security policies, and ABC filings.
4. Can I host live music, DJs, and bottle service with a Type 48 license?
Yes. Many Type 48 venues are built around live music, DJs, dancing, and bottle service. These uses can trigger additional requirements for security, crowd management, and noise control. Local permits and CUPs will often detail what is allowed and under what conditions.
5. How long does it typically take to obtain or transfer a Type 48 license in San Diego County?
You should plan for several months, sometimes longer in sensitive areas or nightlife districts. ABC review, neighborhood input, CUP approvals, and build-out schedules all affect timing. Early planning and thorough documentation can help keep the process moving.
6. What factors influence the market price of a Type 48 license in San Diego nightlife areas?
Pricing depends on demand in specific districts, scarcity of available licenses, recent comparable sales, and any existing conditions on the license. High-traffic nightlife neighborhoods, or areas with strict quotas, tend to see higher values. We help you interpret current market data before you commit.
Schedule an Appointment | (800) 799-9081
If you are planning, acquiring, or selling a bar or nightclub in San Diego County and need a Type 48 license, you can call (800) 799-9081 to schedule an appointment and review licensing strategy, CUP issues, and transaction structures with an experienced advisor.