In general, you should apply no later than 10 days before, and no sooner than 30 days before, the event.
Timelines for temporary licenses and permits depend upon the license you are applying for. The goal is a safe, legal and responsible event. Participating organizations should be aware of these laws to prevent the suspension or revocation of a license or permit. For example, the role of winegrowers, beer manufacturers and wholesalers.
There are also more obscure laws specific to special events. There are numerous laws that apply, including those that prohibit sales to minors and obviously intoxicated patrons.
If the licensee charges a separate admission and/or sells advertising specialties (T-shirts, hats, etc.), the net profits from these sales may go to someone other than the non-profit organization. If there is an admission charge and it entitles patrons to obtain wine, beer and/or distilled spirits, then the net proceeds from the sale of alcoholic beverages must go to the non-profit organization. The organization who obtains a liquor license or permit must receive all of the net proceeds from the sale of the alcohol. WINE SALES EVENT PERMIT (Type 81) – Authorizes Type 02 (Winegrower) licensees to sell bottled wine produced by the winegrower for consumption off the premises where sold and only at fairs, festivals or cultural events sponsored by designated tax exempt organizations. Issued only to political parties or affiliates supporting a candidate for public office or a ballot measure or charitable, civic, fraternal or religious organizations.ĬATERING PERMIT (“Type 58”) AND AUTHORIZATION (Form ABC-218) – Authorizes Type 41, 42, 47, 48, 57, 75 and 78 licensees (and certain catering businesses) to sell beer, wine and spirits for consumption at approved events (e.g., street fair or festival) off their licensed premises. Issued only to existing non-profit organizations.ĭAILY ON-SALE GENERAL LICENSE (“Temporary License”) – Authorizes the sale of beer, wine and distilled spirits for consumption on the premises (e.g., street fair or festival) where sold. SPECIAL DAILY LICENSE (“Temporary License”) – Authorizes the sale of beer and/or wine for consumption on the premises (e.g., street fair or festival) where sold. All licensing or permitting for alcohol sales is subject to prior approval by the ABC, local law enforcement and the property owner. Rather, each organization running a booth or beer/wine garden obtains their own license or permit. There is no type of “blanket” liquor license the non-profit organizer obtains to allow others to sell alcohol. Qualified organizations that receive the proper license or permit from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) may sell alcoholic beverages at a beverage booth, beer garden or beer/wine garden. There are even consultants who specialize in managing street fairs. Often, for-profit or non-profit organizations rent beverage booths. Ticket price might include a discount at beverage booths, food tickets, commemorative wine glass, “goodie bag,” etc. Some street fairs and festivals collect entry fees, which go directly to the beneficiaries. Sponsors might include the “XYZ Street Fair,” a Chamber of Commerce or a business association, with proceeds going to charitable causes important to the community, such as Multiple Sclerosis. Non-profit 501c3 organizations often sponsor street fairs and festivals.
Some are focused narrowly as “beer and wine festivals.” Street fairs typically provide food vendors, silent auctions, raffles, and live music. Street Fairs are a popular tradition in California and elsewhere, sometimes drawing tens of thousands of visitors. The US Festival, Organized by Steve Wozniak, 1983