What Does the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Do?

Anyone who plans to open a business that serves alcohol, sells alcohol, or has anything to do with the manufacturing or distribution of alcohol should be able to answer this question: What does the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control do? If you’re not quite there yet, after reading this, you will be.

What Does the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Do?

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, also commonly referred to as the ABC, oversees all business-related matters that involve alcohol. This includes policing regulations, issuing licenses, and enforcing compliance. All of these things are carried out in accordance with California alcohol beverage compliance laws.

It is important for businesses that are licensed through the ABC to maintain a familiarity with the ABC and the laws that it upholds. In doing so, business owners can ensure they stay compliant and keep their licensing current. Sometimes this is easier said than done. When it is, a California alcohol beverage compliance attorney can be a useful resource to potential and existing license holders.

The ABC Control Act

The ABC Control Act is the set of laws that establishes responsible business practices to ensure the safe sale and consumption of alcohol. This is the set of laws that represents the foundation of the California Department of ABC. These are the statutes they enforce.

For businesses, compliance with these laws is not optional. In fact, it is essential for businesses to take these laws seriously. Failure to do so could result in the loss of privileges to serve alcohol, which could affect their business.

Four Things the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Does

The main responsibilities of the ABC are:

• Accepts applications for licenses for businesses that sell alcohol, and then approves or denies applications and issues licenses accordingly.
• Maintains strict and measurable regulations over the sale and distribution of alcohol to minors.
• Carries out enforcement of alcoholic beverage compliance laws via inspections of licensed businesses, identifying violations, investigating complaints against license holders, and revoking or suspending licenses for noncompliance.
• Educates businesses on what compliance means by providing training and other resources to ensure alcohol-related business activity stays out of the realm of minors and minimizes public harm.

When to Hire an Alcohol Beverage Compliance Lawyer

If you have received notice of a violation, it is recommended that you hire an alcohol beverage compliance lawyer as soon as possible. There are many actions you can take to reverse noncompliance, depending on the violation, such as putting compliance policies, like staff training, in writing. Of course, a California alcohol beverage compliance attorney can be an invaluable resource in these types of legal matters.

Other instances that warrant professional legal advice or representation include the following: 

• You were denied licensing.
• You have an upcoming ABC hearing.
• You need to transfer the alcohol license of an existing business into your name.
• You need to modify an existing license, such as hours of operation or the entertainment purposes of your business.

Since 2020, 160 licenses have been surrendered in Riverside County. If you’re in danger of being the next business owner to surrender your alcohol license, call a California alcohol beverage compliance attorney to potentially save your business.

Why Choose Us?

Blake & Ayaz have set a standard for alcohol and beverage compliance lawyers. The competition has yet to match our level of experience and our success rate with alcohol beverage compliance cases. We can provide the right advice at the right time for you. We can ensure your business is in compliance not only with ABC laws but also with local health codes and ordinances, as well as zoning requirements.

We’ve already established a rapport with the ABC and other related agencies. We are also familiar with the application process and can assist in submitting a well-informed application as well.

FAQs

Q: What Does the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Do?

A: The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control regulates the sale and distribution, among other things, of alcohol in California. This department issues alcohol licenses for businesses that allow them to conduct business activity that involves alcohol.

They also enforce the laws of the Alcoholic Beverage Act by inspecting local license holders for compliance and identifying violations. The ABC also puts forth an effort to train businesses regarding compliance with ABC laws.

Q: What Kind of Agency Is the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control?

A: The Alcoholic Beverage Control agency in California is a state-run regulatory body that ensures compliance with alcoholic beverage control laws within the state. It is funded mainly through the licenses it sells and the state’s general fund. The ABC has the power to investigate license holders and revoke or suspend licenses when violations are not amended.

Q: What Is the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act in California?

A: The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act is a set of laws established in California to regulate the sale of manufacture, distribution, and other activities related to alcohol. The laws established in the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act define conditions for license holders, restrictions on sale, and penalties for violations and noncompliance.

Q: What Is the Role of ABC Agents in California?

A: The role of ABC Agents in California is to carry out the responsibilities of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, also known as the ABC. Its agents are sworn peace officers similar to other agency enforcement officers.

ABC Agents enforce compliance with the ABC Act laws to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors and keep the public safe. They have the power to inspect premises and investigate complaints. Ultimately, their goal is to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Talk to an ABC Lawyer About Your Case

At Blake & Ayaz, we know the law, and we protect our clients’ rights. We advocate for them, and when necessary, we can represent them in litigation. We take our job seriously. Contact our offices to learn more about how our legal services can help your business maintain compliance with alcohol beverage control laws. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Ensure compliance now.