Exclusive Liquor Caterer or Legal Dilemma? Unraveling California's Alcohol Regulations for Venues

Planning a wedding, organizing a special event, or coordinating any private gathering in California? There's a crucial aspect you need to be well-versed in: the state's stringent regulations on alcohol service. In this blog post, we aim to shed light on the common misconceptions surrounding bartending services and the sale of alcohol for private events.

The ABCs of Alcohol Licensing:

Contrary to popular belief, hosting a "private party" or "private event" does not exempt service providers from California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) regulations. Only entities armed with a 47 on-sale general eating place license or a 58 caterer permit have the legal right to sell alcohol.

Beware of bartending services that claim they can provide alcohol for your event without these licenses. Such practices are a direct violation of California law and could lead to legal complications for you as the event organizer.

The 36-Event Limit:

Caterers holding a 58 caterer permit face restrictions—specifically, they cannot sell or serve alcohol at the same venue more than 36 times in a year. If your venue has a preferred vendor who has surpassed this limit, not only are they out of compliance, but they are also putting the venue at risk with the ABC.

Educating Your Venue:

Venues with preferred vendors should be aware of the 36-event limit to avoid potential fines from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. If your chosen vendor exceeds this limit, the venue might be required to obtain a 47 on-sale general eating places liquor license.

Ensuring Compliance:

Before finalizing any arrangements, inquire about the licensing status of your chosen vendor. Ensure they are compliant with Sections 23320 and 23399 of the Business and Professions Code, as well as Rule 60.5 of the California Code of Regulations. Additionally, obtain Catering Authorization for each catered event to stay within legal boundaries.

In conclusion, we share this information to empower you, ensuring your celebration is not only joyous but also legally sound.

Here's to a celebration that's both memorable and compliant!

Why BYO Is the Way to Go: Choosing a Bring Your Own (BYO) approach not only helps you save money but also ensures compliance with California's strict alcohol regulations. It's a simple yet effective way to avoid legal pitfalls associated with unauthorized alcohol sales.

Ensure a seamless and responsible celebration by opting for licensed TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) bartenders to serve your carefully chosen BYO alcohol. With TIPS-certified professionals, you not only guarantee a memorable event but also prioritize the safety and well-being of your guests

More information on the link here https://www.abc.ca.gov/licensing/license-forms/caterers-permits/

****this is not legal advice and you should consult an attorney for more information. The link above that directly talks about the issues above is on the link******