News Summary
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will accept new liquor license applications from September 8 to 19, 2025. This includes both on-sale and off-sale general licenses, aimed at regulating alcohol sales statewide. ABC Director Paul Tupy emphasized the structured application process and fees, which are set at $19,315 for new licenses and $7,320 for priority transfers. A virtual drawing will decide license recipients if applications exceed available licenses. The ABC encourages early submissions to streamline the process, which will be detailed on their website soon.
California – The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) has announced that it will begin accepting new liquor license applications from September 8 to September 19, 2025. This initiative includes both on-sale and off-sale general licenses and aims to regulate and facilitate the alcohol sales industry across the state.
ABC Director Paul Tupy provided an update regarding the authorization process for these licenses, stating that applications must be submitted at local ABC offices in the specific counties where the licenses are available. Notably, priority applications for inter-county transfers will also be accepted during this application window.
Each applicant is permitted to submit only one priority application per type of license for each county. The application fee for a new original general license has been set at $19,315, while the fee for a priority inter-county transfer is $7,320. This structured fee system ensures that the licensing process is both regulated and predictable for potential applicants.
The licensing process will vary depending on the number of applications received. If the total number of applications matches or falls below the number of available licenses, applicants will be granted 90 days to complete a formal application for their business premises. Conversely, should the number of applicants exceed the number of available licenses, a virtual drawing will be held to determine the successful applicants.
To be eligible for the virtual drawing, participants must have been California residents for at least 90 days prior to the date of the drawing. Applicants chosen through the drawing process will also have 90 days to finalize a formal application. Conversely, those who do not succeed in the drawing will receive a refund of their application fee, barring a $100 service charge, within a time frame of 90 to 120 days.
Unsuccessful applicants will still retain their priority ranking until August 1 of the following year, providing them with an opportunity for reevaluation in the subsequent application period. It is important to note that any outstanding debts owed to California taxing agencies may be deducted from the refund amount of the priority application fee.
In light of the competitive nature of the licensing process, the ABC strongly encourages potential applicants to file their applications early in order to avoid any delays. The Department will provide further information and detailed instructions regarding the application process on their website in the coming weeks, which will be crucial for individuals and businesses looking to navigate the complex liquor licensing landscape.
This announcement by the ABC marks an essential step in regulating liquor sales within California, as the state continues to adapt its policies and procedures to meet the demands of a bustling economy and diverse consumer market.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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