Applying for a liquor license in San Diego, CA involves several steps and requirements. First, you need to apply at the nearest district office of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). The San Diego office is located at 8620 Spectrum Center Blvd., Suite 302, San Diego, CA 92123, and can be reached at (858) 300-6855 or via email at SanDiego@abc.ca.gov. The average processing time for an application is about 75 to 90 days, depending on the type of transfer. You must also possess a seller’s permit from the State Board of Equalization and register with the Board of Equalization (BOE) if you are a non-retail alcoholic beverage licensee. It's also recommended to contact the United States Treasury Department, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, and local county or city officials to determine if a local business license is required.
In addition to the ABC license, you must also submit an application for a Zoning Use Verification (ZUV) through the City’s online permitting account. The application for a ZUV includes the ABC-255 and the standard review fee. If you're applying for a Type 20 Off-Sale Beer and Wine License or Type 21 Off-Sale General License, your establishment will be regulated as an Alcoholic Beverage Outlet subject to San Diego Municipal Code (SDMC) §141.0502. You also need to complete the Zoning Affidavit form provided by the ABC, which requires details such as your name, the address of the premises, the parcel number of the property, the type of license you're applying for, and the type of business you're running.
Before you start the application process, familiarize yourself with the different types of ABC licenses and their associated fees, and walk through the application process step by step, including details about the hearing and appeals process. All ABC License applications are subject to the standard Alcoholic Beverage Zoning review fee of $331.98. If your application requires the administrative review, it will be subject to additional fees.
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