Apply for Special Event Permit Liquor License

Apply for Special Event Permit Liquor License

Apply for Special Event Permit Liquor License Law:

If alcohol will be served at any event that is accessible to the general public, a liquor license must be obtained. For temporary events, this would mean the event organizers must apply for a special event Liquor License permit liquor license with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). Whether the alcohol is sold or not, if a member of the public can attend or buy a ticket, then a special event permit must be in place. Charging for event tickets or a cover charge counts as selling alcohol, even if the alcohol is free once inside the event. In addition, if an event is private, a special event permit still needs to be obtained if the event is held on any commercial property (such as an art gallery or retail store).

Not just any event organizer can apply for a temporary special event permit liquor license, however. In order to qualify with the ABC, the applicant must be a licensed catering company or a nonprofit organization with a 501(c)(3).

Applying for a Special Event Permit Liquor License:

Serving alcohol at an event without applying for a special event permit liquor license can lead to a criminal citation or arrest. If the event is promoted and advertises the fact that it will have alcohol, a citation or arrest can be even more likely. Applying for a special event permit with the ABC can be complicated, however, and there are strict regulations to follow that only allow certain entities to actually apply for the permit. If the event is not associated with a caterer or a nonprofit, then they cannot apply for a special event permit and thus cannot legally serve or sell alcohol.

What a Business Law Lawyer can do for you:

A business law attorney can help you if you need to apply for a special event permit or temporary liquor license for an event. The laws about serving alcohol at events or parties are not as clear as one may think, and violating the ABC laws can result in a lot of trouble, including large fines, criminal citations, and even an arrest. If you are unsure about whether or not you need a special event permit, and/or if you are unsure if you can technically apply for a special event permit liquor license, an experienced attorney can help you. A lawyer will evaluate your situation and help explain your options. He or she then can help you correctly apply for a special event permit if your circumstances allow for it.

Lawyer Referral Service:

If you need help applying for a special event permit liquor license, Attorney Search Network can refer you to a business lawyer with experience in special event permit cases.

If you have any questions about the inStart Up provided above, please contact us. Call us toll free at (800) 215-1190 or fill out out online form for your business Closing lawyer referral.


If you have any questions about the inStart Up provided above, please contact Attorney Search Network.

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