How to Open a Bar in Emeryville, California

Alcohol you could be serving in your bar.

Opening a bar in Emeryville requires patience and an eye for detail. There are quite a few forms you will have to fill out and once complete there is a waiting time for approval of each application. Choose you location carefully as your bar will have to be inspected during the Liquor License Application process. If you plan to sell food in your establishment your business location must also pass an Environmental Health inspection. If you feel overwhelmed by this process, it is recommended that you seek legal counsel to assist in some of the processes.

Instructions

1. Visit the IRS website to establish an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The EIN is used to identify and classify your business and will be required on some of the other business applications you need to complete. There is no charge for an EIN and the application will only take a short time to complete. You will immediately receive an EIN upon completion.

2. Obtain a California Seller's Permit. Complete application form BOE-400-SPA (see Resources). There is no charge for the permit; however, the state may require a deposit. Mail or drop off your completed application along with a copy of your California driver's license. If the application is complete and correct you should receive your permit wit in about two weeks.

   California Board of Equalization
   Sales Tax Field Office
   121 Spear St., Ste. 460
   San Francisco, CA 94105-1584

   If your business will gross more then $100,000 in a calendar year skip this step and complete the Qualified Purchase Use Tax Registration form instead.

3. Complete and return application BOE-404-A for Qualified Purchase Use Tax Registration (see Resources). Return this form to the California Board of Equalization Sales Tax Field Office in San Francisco.

4. Attend free online webinars or classroom seminars regarding payroll tax requirements through the California Employment Development Department if you plan to hire employees. These courses will teach you about employee reporting requirements, tax withholding and more.

5. Apply for a California liquor license through the California Alcohol and Beverage Department. There are different types of liquor licenses. A bar will require a permanent On-Sale license. There are several different types of On-Sale licenses (see Resources). The time it takes to receive a liquor permit is around 75 days and the permit must be renewed yearly. The fee for a liquor license varies depending on how many different types of liquor you will sell. Typically you will pay anywhere from a few hundred to a thousand dollars.

6. Contact the Alameda County Environmental Health Department if you plan to prepare and serve food in your bar. There are food safety programs and certifications that you will need to complete first.

   Alameda County Environmental Health Dept
   1131 Harbor Bay Parkway
   Suite 111, 1st Floor
   Alameda, CA 94502-6577
   510-567-6858

References

• Emoryville California: Business Licenses
• California Employment Development Department: Overview Payroll Taxes
• Alameda County's Official Website: Alameda County Environmental Health: Food Safety

Resources

• Internal Revenue Service: EIN Assistant
• BOE-400-SPA: California Seller's Permit Application
• BOE-404-A: California Board of Equalization: Qualified Purchaser Use Tax Registration
• Department of Alchohol Beverage Control: List of License Types