Applying for a liquor license in Los Angeles, CA, involves several steps. First, you need to understand the application requirements and process, which can be found on the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) website. The application process begins at the nearest ABC District Office, where an ABC staff member will guide you through the necessary steps, including determining the type of license needed, advising on the required forms and fees, and explaining the process of filing the application. Some applicants may need to obtain approval from zoning officials, open an escrow, or visit the office of the County Recorder for a certified copy of a Notice of Intended Transfer. Once the application is filed, it is the applicant's responsibility to post the Public Notice of Application at the premises for 30 days and provide information to the ABC as needed for the investigation. The average waiting periods for a license range from 55 to 65 days for a non-protested application to 175 days for a protested application. For more details, you can download a printable flow chart and process description at the ABC’s website.
The forms required for the application depend on the type of license you're applying for. These forms, along with their instructions, can be found on the ABC's Licensing Forms page. It's important to use the most up-to-date documents to avoid submitting an invalid form. After completing the necessary forms, you submit your application to the ABC for review.
The application fees, which are generally non-refundable, are charged at the time of submission. These fees cover the cost of processing the application, including the investigation of the proposed licensed premises and the background of the license applicant. The fees for new licenses or the transfer of an existing license can vary based on the privileges provided by the license. For more information on fees, you can visit the License Fees page on the ABC website. For additional information, you can contact the local ABC District Office in Los Angeles at (213) 833-6043 or via email at LAMetro@abc.ca.gov.
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