Full Answer
Liquor license attorney or an alcohol licensing attorney is an attorney who assist clients in obtaining alcoholic beverage licenses or permits in the states where the liquor, beer or wine permit or alcoholic beverage license is being sought by the client either at the retail, wholesale, or manufacturing/importing level.
If you are concerned you have violated, or been accused of violating your liquor license, speaking to a local business attorney can help. Melanie earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science from North Carolina Central University and graduated from the Charleston School of Law in 2018.
Liquor laws are strictly regulated by the federal government, state government, and even local governments. These licenses include: When alcohol can be served. How Do I Get a Liquor License?
A liquor license is a document that allows an establishment to legally sell alcohol. Both federal and state law heavily regulate the sale of alcohol. To get a liquor license, you have to file an application with your appropriate state agency.
The process of obtaining a liquor license is very extensive and time-consuming. The application itself can be expensive, depending on where you are opening your business. Additionally, towns and cities often limit the number of establishments that are able to use these licenses at one time. This is called a quota.
Because every state can have its own liquor laws, it is no surprise that every state requires a different license. There are areas where a standard “liquor license” is accepted. This can encompass all types of alcohol sales specific to that state.
Liquor License comes with a list of regulations and laws that a business must follow. For example, once a business has acquired a liquor license, they must maintain and renew it regularly. Severing or selling alcohol without a valid license can result in the loss of the business or even jail time.
There is so much that goes into acquiring and maintaining a liquor license. If a business is not familiar with the terms and laws of serving or selling alcohol, they may accidentally be in violation. If you are concerned you have violated, or been accused of violating your liquor license, speaking to a local business attorney can help.
California liquor laws are governed by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (or ABC). Any restaurant, bar, nightclub, convenience store or other establishment that wishes to sell alcohol must apply for a liquor license with the ABC.
While the ABC has all forms and guidelines necessary to apply for a liquor license on their website, the rules can be complicated and confusing. Applying for a liquor license for a restaurant, bar or store is different than applying for a special event liquor license.
A business law attorney can help you apply for a liquor license and can ensure you are complying with all of the rules and regulations set forth by the California ABC Department. Such attorneys are well versed in the California liquor laws and the application processes involved.
If you need help applying for a liquor license, Attorney Search Network can refer you to a business lawyer with experience in liquor license cases.