How Long Does It Take to Get a Liquor License in California?
The California liquor license process demands patience and careful planning. Most investigations take approximately 45 to 50 days, with licenses averaging about 75 days for a Person-to-Person transfer and 90 days for an Original. Understanding these timelines helps restaurant owners, bar operators, and retailers plan their business launches effectively.
Standard Processing Times for California ABC Licenses
The average processing time from the date you file your application to issuance, if your application is not contested by a third party, is 55 to 65 days. However, this represents just the beginning of what business owners should expect.
A California Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) license isn’t an instant process. From start to finish, a new license can take about 90 days. Transfers are slightly faster at around 75 days. These timeframes assume everything proceeds smoothly without complications.
The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control requires a mandatory waiting period. Section 23985 of the Act requires a 30-day posting period, during which public notice must be displayed at your proposed location. This posting period alone adds a full month to your timeline before any actual processing begins.
What Happens When Your Application Gets Protested
License protests dramatically extend processing times. Typically, non-protested applications can be approved in as little as 90 days, but plan on six months or longer if a protest is filed. This doubles your expected timeline at minimum.
Anyone can protest an ABC license application. Protests must be filed with the Department by the close of business on the 30th day after notice is posted or mailed (whichever date is later). Common protesters include neighbors, churches, schools, and law enforcement agencies.
If your application is contested, it will take longer — up to 175 days. The protest process involves hearings, evidence presentation, and potentially multiple appeals. Each stage adds weeks or months to your timeline.
The silver lining exists for protested applications. If a retail license application has been protested and the Department has recommended approval of the license, ABC may issue an Interim Operating Permit upon the applicant’s written request. This temporary permit allows you to operate while the protest works through the system.
Investigation Phase: The Real Time Consumer
The California Alcohol Beverage Control investigation phase consumes the bulk of processing time. On average, this portion of the process takes between 45 to 65 days. That includes the time necessary to send out copies of the application to the relevant parties, conduct the appropriate research, and submit any details worth scrutinizing back to the ABC staff.
Investigators examine your criminal background, financial history, and business qualifications. They also inspect your proposed premises to ensure compliance with zoning laws and proximity regulations. Any red flags discovered during this phase trigger additional delays.
Circumstances often result in a longer waiting period; therefore, before final approval and issuance of a license, caution should be used regarding extensive financial commitments, plans for grand openings, etc. Smart business owners avoid scheduling grand openings or making major equipment purchases until their license arrives.
Transfer Applications vs. New License Applications
License transfers move faster than new applications. The reason lies in existing compliance history and reduced investigation requirements. The license can average about 75 days for a Person-to-Person transfer, and 90 days for an Original.
Person-to-person transfers involve selling an existing license from one owner to another at the same location. Premises-to-premises transfers move an existing license to a new location. Each type carries different timeline expectations and requirements.
Neither the transferor nor the transferee should assume that the license will be transferred on a particular date, or at all, merely because the application has been filed. ABC may deny the application, or protests or accusations may be filed which may result in delay or denial of the transfer.
Factors That Extend Your Timeline
Several factors can significantly extend your licensing timeline beyond the standard periods. Construction delays top the list. If new construction or considerable remodeling is necessary, prior approval under Section 24044 should be sought before beginning any actual work.
Location issues also create delays. Applications near schools, churches, hospitals, or playgrounds face additional scrutiny. If local officials have concerns about the issuance of a license, they may request or impose restrictions on the business operation, or they may file a protest.
Criminal history complications extend processing times substantially. Background investigations become more thorough when applicants have prior convictions or legal issues. Financial problems, including bankruptcy or tax liens, also trigger extended reviews.
High-crime areas face special consideration. The City Council or Board of Supervisors has 90 days to determine this and notify ABC. If the City Council or Board of Supervisors does not decide within 90 days, ABC may issue the license if the applicant shows ABC that issuance would serve public convenience or necessity.
Appeal Process Timeline If Denied
Denied applications enter a lengthy appeal process with specific deadlines. Should you choose to move forward with an appeal, a hearing will be scheduled within 60 days. This first hearing is public and presided over by an administrative law judge of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. After the hearing, the judge has 30 days to make a decision.
The appeal process includes multiple levels. If your application is once again rejected, you can submit another appeal within 40 days. This then gets elevated to the ABC Appeals Board, who are given 120 days to make their decision.
Final appeals reach the California Supreme Court. If the Board rejects you, you can still appeal within 30 days of said rejection. The case is then elevated to the highest power concerning ABC law, the California Supreme Court. It should be noted that the court does not have any deadlines dictating when a final decision is due.
Planning Your Business Launch Around License Timelines
Successful alcohol license applicants plan their business launches around realistic timelines. The timeline for obtaining a liquor license in California can vary, but in general, it can take anywhere from several months to over a year to complete the process.
Budget for extended timelines in your business planning. Consider soft opening scenarios without alcohol sales while your license processes. Many restaurants and bars successfully launch with food service only, adding alcohol sales once licensed.
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control offers no guarantees about processing times. Market conditions, staffing levels, and application volumes all influence actual processing speeds. Building flexibility into your timeline protects against unexpected delays and keeps your business plans on track.