ABC Type 41 — On-Sale Beer & Wine, Eating Place: San Francisco restaurant guide
California ABC
What it is
State license to sell beer and wine with meals at a bona fide eating place (suitable kitchen, substantial meal sales); minors allowed; no spirits on the premises except for cooking.
When a restaurant needs it
Serving beer and/or wine (no cocktails) at a restaurant.
How to apply
File an original license application online in ABC Online Services and work with the San Francisco district office; post the Public Notice of Application at the premises for 30 days while ABC investigates; SF Planning signs the Zoning Referral confirming the Restaurant use allows alcohol.
Documents you’ll need
- ABC application forms and premises diagram
- Lease or proof of right to occupy
- Entity documents and personal affidavits
- Fingerprints for each owner/officer
- SF Planning Zoning Referral / proof of permitted use
- Health permit application
Good to know
Type 41 licenses are not quota-limited, so you apply for a new one rather than buying. ABC can deny within 600 ft of schools/playgrounds or 100 ft of residences, and neighbors/police can protest — SF's dense Neighborhood Commercial corridors see protests often.
Official source
ABC — license types · ABC — application fee schedule (2026)
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.