California Liquor License Lottery FAQs
Q: How does the California liquor license lottery work?
A: When the lottery takes place, every applicant gets a corresponding number in the order they were drawn. The first applicant is number one, second applicant is number two and so forth.
Successfully drawn applicants that were matched with the number of licenses available will be notified and will have to submit a formal application with ABC within 90 days.
Q: What is the benefit to applying for the CA liquor license lottery?
A: The price of a liquor license when won through the lottery is $15,835 which is currently lower than the secondary market in any region in California. Depending on your region, the savings can be massively significant. Contact us and we can discuss further if the lottery is the best fit for you and your business.
Q: Can anyone apply for the liquor license lottery?
A: All you have to do to apply for the lottery is be a resident of California for at least 90 days prior to the date of the scheduled lottery.
Q: How can I apply to the California liquor license lottery?
A: It’s important to file your application as early as possible during the filing period (September 14th-25th) due to the pandemic.
Q: What cost is due when I apply for the liquor license lottery?
A: The whole amount for the license is required via cashiers check with your lottery application. The total amount less $100 service fee will be refunded if you do not win or choose not to place the license.
Q: What if less people apply than the number of licenses available?
A: If less people apply than the number of authorized licenses, all applicants will be notified they have won a liquor license. They’ll then have 90 days to submit a formal application with a specific business address.
Q: What happens if I apply for the lottery and I am not drawn?
A: You will automatically be refunded your fees, minus a $100 service fee, within 90-120 days of the drawing but you will retain your ranking until a new priority list of applicants is established in the 2021 drawing.
Q: What is an intercounty Liquor License transfer?
A: An intercounty liquor license transfer is essentially the privilege gained via the intercounty liquor license lottery to acquire a license from one county in California and transfer it another county.
The advantage being, if you live in a county where licenses are expensive, you can buy a liquor license from a less expensive county, and transfer that license via the privilege of an intercounty transfer to the more expensive county.
Q: Can I apply for an intercounty liquor license in the California lottery?
A: Yes you can. You can apply for an intercounty liquor license the same way you apply for a regular liquor license during the lottery application window, September 14th-25th.
Q: How can I gain the privilege of an intercounty liquor license transfer?
A: You can gain the privilege of an intercounty liquor license transfer through the California liquor license lottery. If you’re interested in applying, applications are being accepted September 14-25th. We’ll even work with you to help you file for FREE.
Q: How much does it cost to apply for the privilege to gain an intercounty liquor license in the CA lottery?
A: To apply for the lottery, the intercounty license fee is $6000. If you don’t win, you’ll be refunded back all your costs with the exception of a $100 service fee.
Check back for more information throughout the lottery process.
