Non-retail licenses are essential for businesses engaged in manufacturing, importing, or distributing alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, or distilled spirits to wholesalers or retailers. Moreover, these licenses, denoted by types such as 01, 02, 04, 9, 12, 17, 18, and 23, are crucial for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Depending on the specific business model and the type of alcoholic beverage being produced or sold, obtaining a TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) permit may also be necessary. For instance, applying for a winegrower’s license (type: 02) mandates obtaining a federal basic permit from the TTB before the ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) can issue the corresponding license.

The application process for non-retail licenses typically spans 60 to 90 days, contingent upon the district office overseeing the application. Additionally, ABC conducts thorough investigations, including premises inspections, to ensure compliance with regulations and suitability for licensure.

Upon application submission, applicants are required to pay both an application fee and an annual fee. Also, these fees are integral to the licensing process and support the regulatory framework governing the alcoholic beverage industry.

Below are some of the most commonly applied for non-retail licenses.

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Type-01: Beer Manufacturer

This license allows the licensee to produce beer in over 60,000 barrels yearly, requiring a Federal permit with TTB. Additionally, it authorizes the commercial manufacture of beer, as well as the sale of beer produced and bottled by or for the licensee. Moreover, it permits the sale of beer and wine to consumers for consumption at a bona fide eating place on the licensed premises and during private events not open to the public. Furthermore, the licensee may produce cider or perry at the production premises and sell it to authorized wine sellers.

Type-02: Winegrower

This license authorizes wineries to produce and sell wine. Also, It allows the sale of wine and brandy to licensed sellers and consumers for off-premises consumption. Additionally, it authorizes the sale of wine produced or packaged by the licensee for on-premises consumption. Moreover, the licensee may also sell beer, wine, and brandy in a restaurant on the premises and during private events. Generally, this license is required for cider production. TTB regulations allow wineries to use another winery’s facilities, known as an “alternating proprietorship. However, this requires a TTB approval.

Type-04: Distilled Spirits Manufacturer

This license permits the commercial production of distilled spirits and the sale of such spirits packaged by or for the manufacturer to various entities, including wholesalers, other manufacturers, agents, and rectifiers. Moreover, distillery owners are allowed to conduct tastings of their products for consumers on the licensed premises. Typically, applicants will also need to apply for a Type 06 (Still) license alongside the Type 04 license under most circumstances.

Type-09: Beer & Wine Importer

This license is exclusively granted to individuals holding another license type, allowing the resale of beer and wine. However, it doesn’t confer any sales privileges but rather authorizes the import and export of alcoholic beverages and their transfer to the licensee under another license. Typically, it’s paired with a Type 17 – Beer and Wine Wholesaler license.

Type-17: Beer and Wine Wholesaler

This license grants the authority to sell beer and/or wine to any licensee for resale purposes. Additionally, It also permits the sale of beer and/or wine to other supplier-type licensees authorized to sell beer and/or wine for resale.

Type-12: Distilled Spirits Importer

This license is exclusively issued to individuals holding another type of license that allows the resale of distilled spirits. However, It does not include sales privileges; rather, it solely authorizes the import and export of alcoholic beverages and their transfer to the holder under another license. Typically, this license get attached to Type 18 license.

Type-18: Distilled Spirits Wholesaler

This license permits the sale of distilled spirits to other licensees for resale purposes. Additionally, it allows the sale of distilled spirits to other supplier-type licensees authorized to sell them for resale.

Type-23: Small Beer Manufacturer

This license enables breweries producing fewer than 60,000 barrels annually to produce and sell beer, with privileges and limitations similar to other beer manufacturers. While the license fees differ, the operational aspects remain the same.

• MicrobreweryA small-scale brewery producing around 15,000 barrels annually, primarily catering to local or regional markets with specialty beers. Some may incorporate a restaurant or pub within their premises.

• Brewpub: Typically a small brewery with an attached restaurant where its draft beer is exclusively served. Brewpubs often offer a variety of bottled beers, including other craft beers and wines, for on-premises consumption.

Below are the steps that we will expertly assist you with your non-retail license application process. At California Liquor License Consulting will be by your side, providing personalized guidance and support at every stage. From initial consultation to final approval, count on us to navigate these essential steps with precision and efficiency. We’ll ensure that all requirements are met, paperwork is completed accurately, and your application is submitted smoothly