Long Beach ABC Violations Attorney

Long Beach ABC Violations Lawyer

Serving alcoholic beverages is common in restaurants, bars, and retailers across Southern California. When you face accusations of breaking legal guidelines, it can pose a significant threat to daily operations. A skilled Long Beach ABC violations attorney can help you through this confusing period. They can prepare you for hearings and work to resolve the matter while keeping your business intact.

About Blake & Ayaz

Blake & Ayaz have spent years representing business owners in Long Beach, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and across Southern California in their ABC violation cases. Attorneys F. Michael Ayaz and Sean Refahiat have decades of combined experience handling cases ranging from minor violations to severe threats to an establishment’s future.

What Is an ABC Violation?

The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is the state agency responsible for regulating the sale, service, and manufacturing of alcoholic drinks. An ABC violation is any unlawful behavior or event that violates ABC laws and state guidelines. ABC violation penalties can result in license suspensions, hefty fines, city injunctions, and jail time.

In fiscal year 2023-2024, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) received 2,363 complaint investigation assignments from across the state. The Long Beach and Lakewood offices completed 166 complaint investigations, with 89 arrests and citations, 5 warning letters, and 4 notices of violation issued.

Long Beach ABC violation cases are processed through the Long Beach/Lakewood District Office, located at 3950 Paramount Boulevard in Lakewood, California.

Types of ABC Violations in California

ABC violations encompass a wide range of incidents. Some infractions may result in simple fines, while repeat or serious transgressions can lead to a permanent license revocation. Common types of ABC violations that Blake & Ayaz represent include:

Sale to a Minor

Any sale or furnishing of alcoholic beverages to someone under the age of 21 is a misdemeanor in California. ABC violation penalties for this offense typically result in a 15-day suspension for a first offense, a 25-day suspension for a second violation within 36 months, and a permanent revocation for a third violation within three years.

After-Hours Sale or Consumption

California state law forbids anyone from selling, giving, or delivering an alcoholic beverage from a licensed establishment from 2 am to 6 am. ABC violation penalties for this offense are based on who is involved. Allowing members of the public to drink alcohol during this time frame can result in a 15-day suspension, while an offense involving only employees can lead to a 5-day suspension.

Serving an Obviously Intoxicated Person

Serving someone who is obviously intoxicated or is a habitual drunkard in Long Beach is a misdemeanor. Signs of intoxication include slurred speech, swaying, stumbling, belligerence, and other indicators considered reasonable. Effects on liquor licenses range from a 15-day suspension to revocation upon a third violation within three years.

Keeping a Disorderly House

Keeping a disorderly house is a broad category used for an establishment that causes a disturbance to the neighborhood. Isolated incidents carry a 30-day suspension, while repeat offenses can result in permanent revocation. Examples of disorderly house elements include:

• Illegal drug use and distribution
• Prostitution
• Gambling
• Fights and assaults
• Excessive noise
• Attracting drunk individuals
• Public urination or defecation
• Loitering
• Lewd conduct
• Any other factor deemed a threat to public health, safety, and morals

Unauthorized Sale of Alcohol

Selling alcohol without the proper authority can result in a permanent ban on providing alcoholic beverages. This includes the sale of liquor with only a beer and wine license, serving during a suspension, or operating with an expired or invalid license.

What to Do When Under Investigation for an ABC Violation

After learning of an ABC violation investigation against you, the next steps you take can drastically affect your defense options. First, review the details of the investigation by examining any notices and requesting the investigator’s contact information.

Once you understand the nature of the investigation, the next step is to conduct an internal review by questioning employees, reviewing security footage, and preserving all evidence. This can be essential in avoiding allegations of destroying evidence and in building your defense.

Finally, contact an attorney as soon as possible. Securing legal counsel early in your case can positively affect case outcomes and assist in avoiding common mistakes.

Hire an ABC Violations Attorney

ABC violation penalties can pose a serious threat to a company’s future. It is wise to hire an ABC violations attorney to help with your case. Some of the ways Blake & Ayaz can serve you include:

• Reviewing the case against you. You may feel that the argument against you is faulty, but you are unsure of how to defend against it. Your lawyer can examine the Alcohol Beverage Control’s case against you and highlight procedural errors or weak evidence that could reduce or dismiss charges.
• Advising on your defense. Every ABC violation case requires a unique defense. Your attorney can review the details of your circumstances and advise on what approach may be strongest.
• Representing you in all hearings. Our team can represent you in all administrative ABC license hearings, at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, or any other venue where your case is handled.
• Negotiating with the ABC. In some ABC violation cases, punishment is unavoidable. However, the extent to which it affects you and your business can be mitigated. We can negotiate on your behalf to shorten license suspensions, reduce the charge that appears on your record, and work to lighten all other ABC violation penalties.

Speak With a Long Beach ABC Violations Lawyer Today

At Blake & Ayaz, we know how stressful an ABC violation case can be when already dealing with the daily issues that come with running a business. Our team can use our years of legal experience, skills, and knowledge to make a positive impact on your defense.

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. In this meeting, we can discuss the ABC violation you have been accused of, the challenges you face, and explore defense strategies. You may also visit our Santa Ana offices, located on North Broadway.

Long Beach ABC Resources

• Who Needs RBS Certification?
• How Does Alcohol Beverage Control Work?
• Is it Hard to Get a Liquor License in California?
• What Are the New Alcohol Laws in California in 2025?
• Do All Employees of an Alcohol Establishment Need to Be Certified?