How to Get a California Liquor License

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Who Needs a California Liquor License?

California�s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control issues nearly a hundred different types of liquor licenses covering just about every aspect of the industry, from manufacturing to shipping, storage, distribution, and wholesale and retail sales.

What Are the Licensing Requirements?

Whether you�re applying for a new license or a transfer of a license from a current licensee, the process begins at the nearest ABC district office. The process is intended to be initiated in person. If a transfer is involved, both the current licensee and the transferee should be present. You�ll be advised as to what forms you must complete, what fees you will need to pay, and any other requirements you must meet.

Depending on the municipality your business is located in, you may also need to obtain a local business license or permit.

Before opening a business involving alcoholic beverages, you�ll need to check with the U.S. Treasury Department�s nearest Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and see if you need a federal permit or whether an Occupational Tax stamp is required.

You�ll also need to register your business with the State Board of Equalization, because you�ll be responsible for collecting sales tax from customers and remitting it to the state through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration�s Taxpayer Online Services Portal.

Why is a Surety Bond Required?

Requiring businesses in the alcoholic beverage industry to purchase a surety bond is the primary way that California prevents alcohol tax fraud and nonpayment of sales taxes owed to the state. By purchasing the required bond, licensees guarantee that they will make the necessary tax payments on time and in full.

Understanding How Surety Bonds Work for a California Liquor License

An alcohol tax surety bond agreement is a legally binding contract among these three parties:

-������ The state of California (the �obligee� requiring the bond)

-������ The licensee/business owner (the �principal� purchasing the bond)

-������ The surety bond company (the �surety� underwriting and issuing the bond)

If the principal violates the terms of the surety bond agreement by failing to make required tax payments, the obligee can file a claim against the bond and be compensated for financial damages. When a claim is filed, the surety will attempt to negotiate a quick settlement. If that�s unsuccessful, the surety will typically go ahead and pay the claim, even though legally paying claims is the principal�s responsibility.

The surety bond works like a line of credit for the principal. The surety�s advance payment gives the principal a little time to gather the necessary funds while ensuring timely payment of the claim. Ultimately, the principal is legally obligated to repay the surety in full for payments made on the principal�s behalf.

What Does It Cost?

The annual premium for any surety bond is a small percentage of the required bond amount. While the obligee establishes that bond amount, the surety sets the premium rate based primarily on the principal�s personal credit score. The higher the principal�s credit score, the lower the premium rate�potentially as low as 1% to 3% for someone with excellent credit.

Get Bonded Today

Contact us to discuss your bonding needs to obtain a California liquor license.

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