Alcohol Beverage Control – Terms and Definitions

The state of California has many regulations and requirements when it comes to having a liquor license. It is important to understand what your business needs in order to comply with state regulations, so you need to understand the terms and definitions used by the ABC (or Alcohol Beverage Control). You must be aware of certain terms throughout your application process and today we will go over those to help you while obtaining your license. 

• alcoholic beverage license-  A license issued under the Act is a permit to do that which would otherwise be unlawful. A license is not a right, but is a privilege, which can be suspended or revoked by administrative action because of violation of the Act or departmental rule. (Sections 23300 and 23355)

• bona fide public eating place- Licensed premises that are maintained in good faith and used for the regular service of meals to patrons. The premises must have suitable kitchen facilities and supply an assortment of foods commonly ordered at various hours of the day. (Sections 23038 and 23787)

• Public premises– No person under 21 years of age is allowed on public premises.

 

It is important to note that there are two different classes of public premises:

1. On-sale general and on-sale wine licenses are issued to establishments that are licensed to sell and serve alcoholic beverages to the public. These permits only allow the establishment to maintain and operate as a licensed alcoholic beverage business.
2. On-sale beer licenses means that the premises are maintained and operated for the consumption of beer on the premises. No food or drinks are served on the premises when this permit is issued.

Other important terms to know:

• On-Sale General– authorizes the sale of all types of alcoholic beverages: namely, beer, wine and distilled spirits, for consumption on the premises, and the sale of beer and wine for consumption off the premises

• Off-Sale General- authorizes the sale of all types of alcoholic beverages for consumption off the premises in original, sealed containers

• On-Sale Beer and Wine– authorizes the sale of all types of wine and malt beverages (e.g., beer, porter, ale, stout and malt liquor) for consumption on and off the premises

• Off-Sale Beer and Wine authorizes the sale of all types of wine and malt beverages for consumption off the premises in original, sealed containers

• On-Sale Beer authorizes the sale of malt beverages for consumption on and off the premises (Sections 23393, 23394, 23396 and 23399)

After reading the terms, you might have some questions regarding licensing, feel free to call us at (800)735-9073 and our team of experts will help you with any questions or concerns. It is our goal to help clients get to where they want to be with their business, so let us help you!  Contact us now!