News Summary
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will accept new liquor license applications from September 8 to September 19, 2025. Director Paul Tupy outlines that both on-sale and off-sale general licenses will be available. Applicants must submit their applications at local ABC offices, and there’s a significant application fee of $19,315 for new licenses. Fairness is prioritized in the process, with a drawing for applications if they exceed available licenses. This move aims to streamline alcohol regulation and support new business opportunities in California.
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 update was provided by Director Paul Tupy, who clarified the availability of on-sale and off-sale general licenses during this period.
Applications for new liquor licenses must be submitted at local ABC offices located in counties where these licenses are available. Priority applications for inter-county transfers will be accepted during the same time frame. However, applicants should note that only one priority application per type of license will be allowed from each applicant per county.
The application fee for a new original general license is set at $19,315, while the fee for a priority inter-county transfer is $7,320. These fees contribute to the costs associated with evaluating and processing the applications.
The process is designed to ensure fairness among applicants. If the number of applicants is equal to or fewer than the available licenses, applicants will be granted 90 days to complete a formal application following the initial submission. Conversely, if the number of applications exceeds the available licenses, a virtual drawing will be conducted to determine who will be allowed to proceed.
To be eligible to participate in the drawing, individuals must have been California residents for a minimum of 90 days prior. Those who are selected in the drawing will be given an additional 90 days to finalize their formal application for their business premises. On the other hand, participants who are not successful in the drawing will receive a refund of their application fee, subject to a $100 service charge, within a period of 90-120 days.
It is also important for applicants to understand that any outstanding debts owed to California taxing agencies may be deducted from the refund of the priority application fee. Despite not being selected, unsuccessful applicants will retain their priority ranking until August 1 of the following year, allowing them to retain a foothold for future opportunities.
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control encourages potential applicants to file their applications early to avoid any delays in the processing timeline. Further information and detailed instructions on the application process will be made available on the ABC’s official website in the weeks leading up to the application period.
This new initiative aligns with the state’s ongoing efforts to regulate alcohol distribution and sales, ensuring that businesses can operate within a structured legal framework that promotes responsible service and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The ABC’s structured application process aims to balance the interests of new businesses while maintaining order and compliance within the industry.
As California prepares for this application window, prospective candidates are advised to prepare all necessary documentation in advance to facilitate a smoother application experience. The upcoming acceptance period represents a significant opportunity for new and existing businesses seeking to expand their operations within California’s vibrant market.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Action News Now
- Wikipedia: Liquor License
- Los Angeles DUI Attorney
- Google Search: California liquor license
- SF Examiner
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alcoholic Beverage
- Daily Journal
- Google News: California liquor license news
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles 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 Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
