How to get a Liquor License in California?

Getting a liquor license in California involves a specific process and meeting certain requirements. The process includes initial filing, notifications, investigation, final review, and issuance of the license. The type of license you need depends on the nature of your business. The forms required for your application can be found on the Alcoholic Beverage Control's (ABC) Licensing Forms page. The forms and documents required for different ownership structures, such as Sole Owner, Partnership, Corporation, and Limited Liability Company, are available on the ABC website.

1. Determine the Type of License Needed

• Purpose: The type of license you need depends on the nature of your business. For instance, if you're a beer manufacturer, you'll need a Type 01 license, while a winegrower will need a Type 02 license.
• Instructions: Refer to the ABC license types page for more details on the different types of licenses and their requirements.

2. Initial Filing

• Purpose: This is the first step in the application process. Start with the nearest ABC District Office.
• Instructions: An ABC staff member will ask you questions about your proposed operation and determine the type of license needed. You may need to obtain approval from zoning officials, open an escrow, or go to the office of the County Recorder for a certified copy of a Notice of Intended Transfer before filing an application with ABC.

3. Notifications

• Purpose: During this phase, it's your responsibility to post a Public Notice of Application on your premises for 30 days and provide information to the ABC as needed for an investigation..
• Instructions: Follow the instructions provided by the ABC office during the initial filing phase.

4. Investigation

• Purpose: The ABC conducts a thorough investigation to see if you and your business qualify for a license.
• Instructions: If a retail license application has been protested and the Department has recommended approval of the license, ABC may issue an Interim Operating Permit upon your written request.

5. Final Review and Issuance of License

• Purpose: This is the final step in the application process where the ABC Headquarters conducts a final review.
• Instructions: Ensure all documents are correct and fees are paid. Missing or incorrect documents, fees, liens placed against escrow, or the premises being under construction and not yet ready to operate may delay issuance of a license. Once the final review is completed, you will be issued a license.

Useful Information Source Links:

• Application Requirements
• Application Process
• Licensing Forms
• License Types
• License Fees
• District Offices

FAQs:

• What is the average waiting period for a license? The average waiting periods for a license, including a 30-day posting of Public Notice of Application, range from 55 to 65 days for a non-protested application to 175 days for a protested application.
• What are the different types of licenses? There are various types of liquor licenses issued by the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). The type of license you need depends on the nature of your business. For more details, refer to the ABC license types page.
• Where can I find the forms required for the application? The forms required for your application can be found on the Alcoholic Beverage Control's Licensing Forms page.

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