Question 1

If I don't get a liquor license from ABC, can I allow people to bring their own alcoholic drinks?

Accepted Answer

No. If a business, provides a place for people to bring their own alcoholic beverages to consume, an ABC Liquor License is required. You can be in violation of operating without a liquor license, operating as a “bottle club”, or creating a public or private nuisance. Such violations could subject you to criminal prosecution and/or civil action.

Question 2

How long does it normally take for the issuance or transfer of a liquor license?

Accepted Answer

Most investigations take approximately 55-65 days, and by law the liquor license cannot be issued for a minimum of 30 days. However, after the pandemic, realistically it takes approximately 90 days if it is not Protested. Circumstances often result in a longer waiting period; therefore, before final approval and issuance of a license, applicants are cautioned regarding extensive financial commitments, plans for grand openings, etc. If new construction or considerable remodeling is necessary, the applicant should seek with our assistance, prior approval under “Liquor License Approval Under Construction” before beginning any actual work. ABC Liquor License Experts is here for you to ensure your application runs smooth, fast and with minimal stress.

Question 3

Can a type 41 liquor license, a type 47 liquor license or a type 75 liquor license, sell alcoholic drinks “to go” (off sale)?

Accepted Answer

Unless it is restricted by ABC special conditions, the answer is “YES”. However, to sell hard liquor, the licensee must have on-sale hard liquor (distilled spirits) privileges. For example, a Type 41 license cannot sell hard liquor since that license type does not provide hard liquor privileges.

Question 4

Do most original ABC Liquor Licenses also require city approval, in the form of a Conditional Use Permit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a conditional use permit (CUP) allows a city or county to consider special uses which may be essential or desirable to a particular community, but which are not allowed as a matter of right within a zoning district, through a public hearing process. Consideration of a CUP is a discretionary act. Depending on local ordinance requirements, hearings are typically held by a board of zoning, the planning commission, or a zoning administrator. The CUP application and process is challenging, expensive and time consuming. Call ABC Liquor License Experts, to assist you in determining if you are required to have a CUP and we will use our extensive training and experience to ensure you are properly represented, throughout the entire process.

Question 5

If I sell my business and it has a liquor license, can the new buyer take over the ABC Liquor License without filing an application? What if I simply give it for free?

Accepted Answer

NO! An application signed by both the seller and the buyer must be filed with ABC, even if there is no exchange of money and no Escrow. ABC then proceeds as it would on a new application and may deny the transfer if the transferee-applicant is not qualified for a license.

Question 6

Why should I hire the services of ABC Liquor License Experts?

Accepted Answer

Quite simply, we are the best liquor license consultant company in California. Our founder and owner, Mr. Rene Guzman was a former ABC Supervisor, an ABC instructor and a member of ABC elite Special Operations Unit. He is the only one in the entire state with those credentials and has over 22 years of experience. We have special relationships and fully understand how the ABC operates, that allow us to navigate the process of obtaining a liquor license from the ABC, with minimal stress, delays and money. Don’t just take our word for it – our reviews speak loud and clear that we are the best. Contact us today for a free no obligation consultation and let us show you firsthand why ABC LIQUOR LICENSE EXPERTS is the premier California liquor license Consultant Company.

Question 7

How much is a liquor license in CA?

Accepted Answer

Application fees for general licenses range from $945 for non-priority licenses to $16,560 for priority licenses. For non-general licenses, fees range from $105 to $945. Transfer fees for person-to-person transfers range from $105 to $1,305. Premise-to-premise transfer fees range from $105 to $6,275.

ABC LICENSE SPECIALIST

Q&A