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AB 828

Alcoholic beverage control: neighborhood-restricted special on-sale general licenses.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark González

AB 828 allows up to 40 new liquor licenses for public eating places in select LA County areas, stabilizing the market and benefiting local businesses starting 2026.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 715, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · AB 828

Summary of AB 828: Alcoholic Beverage Control - Neighborhood-Restricted Special On-Sale General Licenses

Bill Overview

Bill Number: AB 828
Introduced: February 19, 2025
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 715, Statutes of 2025
Author: Mark González
Subject: Alcoholic Beverage Control, Neighborhood-Restricted Special On-Sale General Licenses

AB 828 aims to amend the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act to create a new category of licenses specifically for bona fide public eating places in designated areas of Los Angeles County. This legislation is designed to address the unique market conditions for liquor licenses in the region.

Key Provisions

  • Issuance of Licenses:

    • The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is authorized to issue up to 12 new neighborhood-restricted special on-sale general licenses per year, starting January 1, 2026, until a total of 40 licenses are issued.
    • These licenses are limited to bona fide public eating places located in specified census tracts within Los Angeles County.

  • Eligible Census Tracts:

    • The bill specifies multiple census tracts from the 2020 Census where eligible establishments can apply for these licenses.
    • No more than 20 neighborhood-restricted licenses can be held concurrently within these tracts.

  • Transfer Restrictions:

    • Licenses cannot be transferred between counties.
    • Transfers to other premises are generally prohibited, with exceptions for cases of destruction due to fire or natural disasters.
    • Licenses cannot be sold or transferred for a price greater than the original fee paid.

  • Eligibility Criteria:

    • Individuals who currently hold or have held an on-sale general license for the same premises within the last 12 months are ineligible to apply for a new license under this provision.

  • Regulatory Authority:

    • The ABC is empowered to adopt rules and regulations necessary for the enforcement of these provisions.

Impact

  • Target Audience: The bill primarily affects bona fide public eating places in Los Angeles County, providing them with new opportunities to obtain on-sale general licenses in a competitive market.
  • Economic Considerations: By limiting the number of licenses and imposing transfer restrictions, the bill aims to stabilize the market for alcoholic beverage licenses in Los Angeles, potentially benefiting local businesses and communities.
  • Implementation Timeline: The new licensing provisions will take effect on January 1, 2026, allowing time for the ABC to prepare for the rollout of these licenses.

Legislative Findings

The legislature has declared that a special statute is necessary for Los Angeles County due to its unique distribution and market conditions regarding liquor licenses, which cannot be adequately addressed by general statutes.

This summary provides a concise overview of AB 828, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on the community and local businesses.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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