GET A CALIFORNIA LIQUOR LICENSE THROUGH THE ANNUAL LOTTERY IN 2026

Do You Want to Have Your Liquor License Via the Annual Lottery in 2026?

Liquor License Consulting in San Diego, CA

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Every year during a period of two weeks, usually in September, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) accepts applications for priority liquor licenses in eligible counties. If the number of applicants is greater than the number of available licenses, a drawing is held late in October.
Applying for a Priority License with the ABC can be very challenging and stressful for people who are not familiar with the process and strict requirements involved with these special licenses. So, let our experts take care of your licensing needs. We will hold your hand through the entire process.

AVOID MAKING MISTAKES

Obtaining and applying for a Liquor License requires strict adherence to the CA ABC and local government agencies laws and regulations. It involves completing a myriad of forms, gathering supporting documentation, and obtaining zoning information, etc. This can be complicated and frustrating for someone who is not familiar with the system. In such cases, serious mistakes are bound to be made jeopardizing or delaying the issuance of the license. Our job is to relieve you of any worries and make sure you have a positive experience through the process of getting you a Liquor License.

GET A CALIFORNIA LIQUOR LICENSE THROUGH THE ANNUAL LOTTERY IN 2024​

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We care about our clients’ vision, and we absolutely enjoy helping every business to share their dreams with the world.

What we offer: 

  • A Simplified Process
  • Personalized Services
  • Direct one-to-one
  • No Intermediaries/Middlemen
  • Bilingual Services
  • Mobile Notary Public Services
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Guide to obtain a California ABC Liquor License

Guide to Apply for an ABC License: Whether you need to apply or just need consulting on compliance issues, we’ll provide you with expert guidance throughout the entire process.

NEW

Whether you need to apply or just need consulting on compliance issues, we’ll provide you with expert guidance throughout the entire process.

BUY

Looking to buy a California liquor license? We’re here to help you from start to finish.

We know the ropes on how to get you the best market value.

Wondering how to modify your ABC license? We can assist in handling all aspects of the process.

Find out how the annual Quota License Lottery Drawing works.

Participating in the liquor license lottery can be a game-changer for your business. The process typically involves submitting your application during the designated entry period, after which the Division of Alcoholic Beverages will review all submissions. With the demand for liquor licenses often exceeding supply, the license lottery provides a fair and transparent method for distributing these coveted permits. Successful applicants in the 2024 drawing will have the opportunity to legally sell alcoholic beverages, a critical component for many establishments aiming to enhance their offerings and attract more customers.

Understanding the nuances of the liquor license lottery is essential for prospective participants. Each state has its own set of regulations and quota systems that determine the number of licenses available annually. The public drawing ensures an equal chance for all applicants, but it’s crucial to be aware of specific state requirements and deadlines. Staying informed about the annual process and preparing thoroughly can significantly improve your chances of securing a license, ultimately enabling your business to thrive in a competitive market.

If you are interested in applying for a new license through the annual drawing, here is some essential information and resources to keep in mind. The priority application period typically opens in September, and the ABC’s formal announcement confirms the exact dates, eligible counties, and available license types each year. The drawing only covers on-sale general and on-sale beer and wine categories. Off-sale license types are not part of this program. Whether you want a full liquor license for a restaurant, a bar license for a standalone venue, or a beer and wine authorization for a wine bar or cafe, the lottery is one of the few ways to obtain a new license in the county without buying one on the open market.

 

Eligibility has specific rules. You must have been a resident of the state of California for at least 90 days before filing your formal application. An existing licensee or current holder of the same license type in the same county is not eligible and will be disqualified. The statute also requires that the county population supports the issuance of additional licenses. New spots only become available when population increases create room under the quota formula. High-demand areas like San Francisco rarely have openings, which is why a successful lottery win there is especially valuable.

 

There is also an intercounty option worth knowing about. An intercounty license allows an existing licensee to move a general license from one county to another county through an intercounty transfer. This is a separate process from the standard drawing but uses the same priority registration window. The application process for both paths involves specific licensing forms, a filing fee, and strict application requirements. The fee varies by license type, so check the current schedule before you submit. If you win the drawing, you still need to complete the full application process, pass the background investigation, and secure your premise within 90 days. The privilege of winning does not guarantee final approval. For FAQs about the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits under these categories, or questions about the formal application steps, contact our team for a free consultation.