News Summary
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will be open for new liquor license applications from September 8 to September 19, 2025. This initiative aims to issue both on-sale and off-sale general licenses, aiming to streamline the application process while regulating the alcohol beverage industry. Applicants can submit their forms at local ABC offices, with details on eligibility and fees clearly outlined. The process encourages early submissions to avoid delays, showcasing the ABC’s commitment to managing liquor licensing in the state effectively.
California Opens New Liquor License Applications
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will accept applications for new liquor licenses from September 8 to September 19, 2025. This new initiative aims to provide both on-sale and off-sale general licenses as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to regulate the alcohol beverage industry.
Application Details
Applicants wishing to obtain a new general liquor license can submit their applications at local ABC offices located in counties where licenses are available. Those seeking a priority application for inter-county transfers will also have the opportunity to apply during the same time frame. Each applicant is limited to one priority application per type of license within each county.
Costs and Fees
The application fee for a new original general liquor license is set at $19,315. For those filing a priority inter-county transfer, the fee is $7,320. It is important to note that if the number of applicants matches or falls below the number of available licenses, applicants will have 90 days to complete their formal application. In situations where applications exceed the available licenses, a virtual drawing will take place to determine which applicants receive the opportunity to complete their licenses.
Eligibility for Drawing
To be eligible for the drawing, participants must have been California residents for at least 90 days before the drawing date. Successful participants from the drawing will also be granted 90 days to finalize their applications for their business premises. Meanwhile, those who do not succeed in the drawing will receive a refund of their application fee, minus a $100 service charge, within 90 to 120 days.
Retention of Priority Status
Unsuccessful applicants will retain their priority ranking until August 1 of the subsequent year. It is crucial to understand that any debts owed to California taxing agencies may be deducted from the refund of the priority application fee.
Application Encouragement
The ABC emphasizes the importance of submitting applications early to prevent delays in the approval process. The department will provide further guidance and details concerning the application process and requirements on their official website in the upcoming weeks.
Background Information
The ABC regulates the distribution and sale of alcoholic beverages throughout California, overseeing licensing and enforcement in an effort to promote safe practices within the industry. The acceptance of new liquor licenses is part of the state’s commitment to accommodating both new entrants and existing businesses looking to expand their operations. By managing the application process with outlined fees and eligibility requirements, the ABC aims to streamline the experience for applicants while ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Action News Now
- Wikipedia: Liquor License
- San Francisco Examiner
- Google Search: California liquor license
- Redding Record Searchlight
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Liquor License
- KSBW
- Google News: Liquor License California
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
