How to Verify a Liquor License in California

Liquor Store

Sometimes shady businesses try to use fake liquor licenses. Other times, they will operate without a license at all, phony or otherwise. The problem is that these establishments are more likely to sell alcohol to minors, or to sell illegal black market liquor. If you live in California and suspect a business in your area of operating without a valid liquor license, it is an easy process to find out whether or not they are a legal business. Follow these simple steps to verify a liquor license in California.

Instructions

1. Visit the establishment in question and make note of some basic information. If a liquor license is posted, write down the license number. You should also note the name and address of the business. This information will help you research its license.

2. Visit the website for the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (see Resources).

3. Scan the navigation menu on the left side of the screen. Locate the link that says “License Query System.” Click on this link to be taken to the page where you can verify a liquor license.

4. Select the manner in which you would like to look up the liquor license. You can search by license number, business name, business address or by the owner’s name. Once you have selected the method of your choice, click the “Continue” button.

5. Type the information that relates to the search method you selected. For example, if you chose to search by business name, then type the name of the business you are researching. After you have entered the requested information, click “Continue.” The system will instantly return any matching entries or notify you if there are no corresponding records on file.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot find matching information in the query system, notify the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control that you suspect the business of illegal liquor sales.

Resources

• California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control