Legal Question in Business Law in California

You haven't provided enough detail to answer the question because you are bringing up a rather odd situation with no background. I have never heard of a person running a business without being either the tenant or owner of the property where the business is located. It doesn't really make any business sense, at least without further information, that one person would lease a business location and another person would run a business there. That would run into issues with subleasing under the lease just for starters, since even if its free it's a sublet. The unusual situation you present, and the lack of detail, raises a red flag that maybe you are trying to qualify for a liquor license for someone else who can't get one. If so, you should be aware that that is a crime. If that is not the situation, you should re-ask your question with a lot more information. You should also specify whether you are talking about an on-premises consumption license or a retail liquor license.