California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control | State Liquor Commissions

California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control

State Liquor Commission

The governmental agency regulating liquor and wine in California is called the "California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control". According to the website for this agency, their Mission is:

"to administer the provisions of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act in a manner that fosters and protects the health, safety, welfare, and economic well being of the people of the State."

When the United States Congress repealed prohibition in 1933 and returned power over the production, consumption and distribution of alcoholic beverages to the states, the State of California created the State Board of Equalization. Then in 1955 the state turned the duties of the board of equalization over to what is now known as the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. And Alcoholic Beverage Control Agents (AKA ABC Agents) were given three main duties:

1. Administration of the state department of Alcohol Beverage Control as well as tax collection.
2. The power to license individuals and companies involved with alcohol in California.
3. The power of compliance and law enforcement. According to the website for the state,
   • "ABC Agents are peace officers under Section 830.2 of the California Penal Code and are empowered to investigate and make arrests for violations of the Business and Professions Code that occur on or about licensed premises."

Every year all licenses issued by the State of California have to be renewed by going to the nearest office of the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control prior to the end of the entities licensing period. Licensees must also register with the United States Treasury Department, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

"If a Federal basic permit or a special Occupational Tax Stamp is required, it should be applied for by and issued to the same persons applying for a license with this department and at the same address."

Entities are also required to register with and apply for business licenses within the community where they will operate their business. The state also has escrow requirements if there is a transfer of ownership to another party prior to contacting the Alcoholic Beverage Control.
For more information please visit:

• Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board - http://www.abcappealsbd.ca.gov/
• California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control - http://www.abc.ca.gov/index.html