News Summary
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will accept applications for new liquor licenses from September 8 to September 19, 2025. Both on-sale and off-sale general licenses will be available, along with priority applications for inter-county transfers. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to streamline the process. Application fees are set at $19,315 for new licenses and $7,320 for priority transfers. The ABC emphasizes adherence to regulations to ensure safe alcohol sales across the state.
California — The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will accept applications for new liquor licenses from September 8 to September 19, 2025. This announcement was made as part of the ABC’s ongoing efforts to regulate alcohol sales and ensure compliance with state laws concerning the sale of alcoholic beverages.
The ABC’s Director, Paul Tupy, indicated that both on-sale and off-sale general licenses will be part of this application window. Interested applicants must submit their applications at local ABC offices located in counties where the licenses are available. In addition to new licenses, priority applications for inter-county transfers will also be accepted during the same timeframe.
Applicants should note that only one priority application per license type will be accepted from each applicant per county. This measure aims to streamline the application process and provide equal opportunities for different applicants across various counties.
Application Fees and Procedures
The application fee for a new original general liquor license is set at $19,315, while the fee for a priority inter-county transfer application is priced at $7,320. Applicants who apply during the specified period should be prepared to pay these fees upon submission.
In the event that the number of applicants for liquor licenses is equal to or fewer than the available licenses, applicants will have a 90-day period to complete a formal application for their business premises. Conversely, if the number of applications exceeds the number of licenses available, a virtual drawing will be held to select participants. To qualify for the drawing, applicants must have been residents of California for at least 90 days prior to the date of the drawing.
Participants who are successful in the drawing will receive 90 days to finalize their formal applications. Those who do not secure a license through the drawing will receive a refund of their application fee, although a service charge of $100 will be deducted. Refunds are expected to be processed within 90 to 120 days. Importantly, unsuccessful applicants are allowed to retain their priority ranking until August 1 of the following year.
Any financial obligations that an applicant may have with California taxing agencies could potentially be deducted from their refund of the priority application fee, which is an important consideration for potential licensees.
Encouragement for Early Applications
In light of the competitive nature of these applications, the ABC encourages applicants to submit their applications as early as possible to avoid potential delays. Early submissions may facilitate a smoother review and approval process.
Additional Information
The ABC will make additional information and application instructions available on their official website in the coming weeks. Interested parties are advised to stay informed regarding any updates or changes to the application procedures.
Context on Liquor Licensing in California
The issuance of liquor licenses in California is a guarded process, heavily regulated to promote safe and responsible alcohol sales. The ABC oversees this licensing to ensure that all sales comply with state laws while providing opportunities for new and existing businesses to operate within the legal framework.
As sales of alcoholic beverages continue to be a significant part of California’s economy, the ABC’s actions in regulating this industry play a crucial role in balancing economic growth with the public’s health and safety considerations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Action News Now
- Wikipedia: Liquor Licensing
- San Francisco Examiner
- Google Search: California liquor license
- KSBW
- Google Scholar: California alcohol regulation
- Times Union
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alcohol Regulation
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego 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 Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
