ABC Type 48 (On-Sale General, Public Premises) or Type 42 (Beer & Wine, Public Premises) — bars without food requirement: San Francisco restaurant guide
California ABC
What it is
Bar licenses: Type 48 allows beer, wine and spirits with no food service required; Type 42 is beer and wine only. Minors are not allowed on the premises under either.
When a restaurant needs it
A bar or lounge whose primary business is drinks (the Planning Code 'Bar' use).
How to apply
Type 48 is quota-limited — buy and transfer an existing license through the ABC district office; Type 42 can be applied for as an original license online; both need SF Planning's Zoning Referral confirming a Bar use is permitted (often a Conditional Use).
Documents you’ll need
- Transfer/escrow documents (Type 48)
- ABC application forms and premises diagram
- Lease and entity documents
- Fingerprints
- SF Planning Zoning Referral / Conditional Use approval
Good to know
A no-kitchen bar still needs the SFDPH Permit to Operate ('Bars/Taverns without food prep'). In many SF districts a Bar use needs Conditional Use Authorization — check before buying a license.
Official source
ABC — license types · ABC — annual 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.