News Summary
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will open applications for new liquor licenses from September 8 to September 19, 2025. Offering both on-sale and off-sale licenses, the process includes original general licenses and priority applications for inter-county transfers. Applicants must submit requests at local ABC offices, with fees ranging from $7,320 to $19,315. If applications exceed available licenses, a virtual drawing will determine successful applicants. Early registration is encouraged to meet requirements and deadlines.
California – The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has announced that it will accept applications for new liquor licenses from September 8 to September 19, 2025. This development offers opportunities for businesses seeking to sell alcoholic beverages, both on-sale (in bars, restaurants) and off-sale (in stores and shops).
Director Paul Tupy provided an update regarding these new authorizations, indicating that the application process will allow for both original general licenses and priority applications for inter-county transfers. Applicants need to submit their requests at local ABC offices in counties where the licenses are available.
During the specified application window, only one priority application per type of license will be accepted from each applicant for each county. The fee for a new original general license is set at $19,315, while the fee for a priority inter-county transfer stands at $7,320.
If the number of applications from prospective licensees equals or is less than the available licenses, those applicants will have 90 days to complete a formal application for their businesses. In contrast, if applications exceed the number of available licenses, ABC will conduct a virtual drawing to determine who may proceed with their applications.
To participate in the drawing, applicants must be California residents for at least 90 days prior to the drawing date. Successful participants in the lottery will be granted 90 days to finalize their formal applications for their business locations. In the event of being unsuccessful in the drawing, participants will receive a refund of their application fee, with a $100 service charge deducted, within 90-120 days.
Importantly, even those unsuccessful in the application lottery will maintain their priority ranking until August 1 of the following year. It should be noted that any owed payments to California taxing agencies might be deducted from the refund of the priority application fee.
To ensure a smooth application process, applicants are encouraged to file early, as delays can impact the ability to comply with the necessary requirements. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control will provide additional information and specific instructions on its website in the coming weeks, assisting potential applicants in navigating the process effectively.
The introduction of this new application window follows ongoing efforts by the ABC to streamline the liquor licensing process in California. It comes at a time when the demand for alcoholic beverage sales continues to evolve, with many businesses seeking to adapt to changing consumer preferences and local regulations.
This announcement provides a pivotal opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to enter the alcoholic beverage market. As California’s economy gradually rebounds and consumer habits shift, the availability of new liquor licenses is expected to fuel growth and innovation within the state’s diverse food and beverage industry.
In conclusion, interested parties should take note of the important dates and requirements as the application period approaches. The ABC’s structured process aims to facilitate fair access to new liquor licenses while managing the increasing number of businesses interested in serving alcohol across the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- Redding.com
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