Los Angeles ABC Violations Attorney

Los Angeles ABC Violations Lawyer

If your business is facing an Alcohol Beverage Compliance (ABC) violation, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately. Even if you are only facing a small fine, the ramifications can wreak havoc on your standing within the community. This is not the type of case that can be better handled alone. It can be helpful to reach out to a Los Angeles ABC violations attorney as soon as possible.

At Blake & Ayaz, our team is committed to helping businesses like yours fight unnecessary penalties imposed by the ABC. It can feel overwhelming to keep your business running while trying to fight such allegations. This is one reason why we are committed to handling the legal aspects, so you can attend to what is necessary.

The California Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control

The California Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control, also referred to as the ABC, is responsible for granting licenses to businesses to sell alcohol and ensuring all licensed businesses comply with state regulations. To maintain such regulations, the ABC is allowed to impose certain penalties that can have a negative impact on affected parties.

In 2025, the ABC granted a total of 94,608 licenses to businesses to sell alcoholic beverages. The full list of license types includes 99 specific licenses. Some of these include the following:

• Beer Manufacturer
• Wine Grower
• Brandy Manufacturer
• Public Warehouse
• Wine Blender
• Daily Beer and Wine
• On-Sale Beer Fishing Boat
• On-Sale Beer and Wine Eating Place

ABC Act

The ABC Act is legislation that was created to compile all related regulations and statutes. It contains both the Constitution of the United States and the California Constitution. It outlines the expected guidelines and regulations regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol, as well as the penalties that may be imposed upon businesses that fail to comply.

Penalties

The penalty a Los Angeles business receives for an ABC violation will depend on the severity of the violation as well as whether there are any previous violations or aggravating circumstances present. Aggravating factors may include a prior history of violations, being in an area with high crime, or an ongoing pattern of behavior.

Mitigating Factors

Mitigating factors, which may help your case, include the length of your licensure without disciplinary issues, positive action taken to fix the issue, and cooperation with ABC workers. Some penalties that may be imposed include:

• Short-term license suspension.
• Revocation of your license.
• Indefinite suspension until certain requirements are met.

If you have been officially accused by the ABC of an ABC violation, you may request an administrative hearing to contest the accusation. This is a crucial step in the process, in which an experienced lawyer can help guide you on the next steps. In addition to gathering evidence in your favor and examining the evidence against you, a lawyer can also help you prepare for the hearing itself.

For those attending an administrative hearing in Orange County, California, your hearing will take place at the local district office located at 2 MacArthur Place #200, Santa Ana, CA 92707.

Why Choose Us?

Our legal team is composed of three knowledgeable, experienced attorneys who have handled numerous cases similar to yours. Mr. Blake, the senior partner at Blake & Ayaz, is a former investigator with the California Department of Alcohol and Beverage Control. This experience gives him exceptional insight into how to handle your case in a way that will work in your favor. His understanding of relevant regulations and penalties can be of great help.

FAQs

Q: What Are California’s ABC Violations Laws?

A: California penalizes individuals for breaking various ABC laws and regulations. Some examples of such actions include selling alcohol to underage minors, employing minors, selling alcohol after hours, gambling, disorderly conduct, narcotics, exceeding license privileges, and more. Penalties for such offenses can range from a suspension of your license to time in jail, depending on the severity of the offense and your current criminal record.

Q: Who Is the ABC?

A: The ABC, or Alcohol and Beverage Control in California, is a state entity that is responsible for giving licenses for the sale of alcoholic beverages. In addition to providing licenses, they are also responsible for ensuring that licensed entities comply with state laws. They work alongside law enforcement to minimize and prevent alcohol related crime. They also offer educational resources to individuals and businesses.

Q: How Do You Get Out of an ABC Violation?

A: When fighting an ABC violation, there are numerous steps that you must take to resolve the issue and maintain your reputation within the community. An ABC violations attorney who has handled similar cases can gather evidence that will work in your favor, analyze the evidence that has been gathered against you to assess it for holes, and build a strong defense for you and your business.

Q: What Are the Consequences of an ABC Violation Law?

A: While the ABC is not the same entity as law enforcement, they are still able to impose administrative penalties upon you and your business. Some types of administrative penalties the ABC can give include fines, suspension of your license, or revocation of your license. While your penalty will depend on the severity of your offense, even a small fine can have a great negative impact on your reputation in the community.

Hire an ABC Violations Attorney

The legal team at Blake & Ayaz understands the complex nature of cases involving the ABC. Aside from the social ramifications your business may be facing, there may also be legal and technical issues to work through. If you are feeling overwhelmed at the thought of tackling it all by yourself, we are here to help. Our legal team has extensive experience in helping many clients just like you.

Contact us today to learn more about the services we offer and how our experience can provide guidance to you during this time. No matter how big or small your case is, we have the resources to handle it. We are committed to providing knowledgeable, compassionate care for every client. We look forward to working with you.