Getting your liquor license – how long does it take?
The following are the average waiting periods for a license: (includes a 30-day posting of Public Notice of Application)
Non-Protested Application:
- From date application is filed at District Office to issuance (55-65 days)
Protested Application (Protests Withdrawn After Negotiations):
- From date application is filed at District Office to issuance (95 days)
Protested Application
- Investigation hearing preparation and administrative review (175 days)
- Scheduling of Administrative Hearing (60 days)
- Administrative Law Judge Proposed Decision (30 days)
- Action by ABC Director (3-10 days)
- Appeal to ABC Appeals Board (40 days)
- ABC Appeals Board Decision (120 days)
- Appeal to District Court of Appeal (30 days)
- District Court of Appeal’s Decision (No time mandated)
- Appeal to California State Supreme Court (30 days)
- Supreme Court Decision (No time mandated)
Contact Liquor License Network if you have any questions on how long it takes to get a license.