Alcohol License (CA ABC) — San Francisco
Serving alcohol in San Francisco requires a California ABC license; a Type 41 (beer/wine) can be applied for directly, while a Type 47 (spirits) typically must be purchased from an existing holder.
Overview
Alcohol licensing in California is a state function through the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). A restaurant wanting beer and wine applies directly for a Type 41.
For spirits, you need a Type 47 — in San Francisco these are effectively capped, so the practical route is to buy an existing Type 47 (often at a premium). After you apply, ABC posts a public notice at your location; absent valid protest and after background clearance, the license issues (transfers average ~75 days).
What SpoonSeal tracks
The document(s) you upload for this requirement, with automatic renewal/expiration tracking (Current, Due Soon, Expired). Where the city publishes health-inspection results (e.g., NYC and Chicago), SpoonSeal syncs them automatically; elsewhere they can be added manually.
Stay ahead of this requirement
SpoonSeal stores your documents, tracks expirations, and reminds you before anything lapses — so you are always inspection-ready.
Get started free →This guide is informational and not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the official agency linked above.