Legal Question in Business Law in California

I am planning to have an event in Hayward CA at a hotel. I want to serve drinks but I don't know if I can legal sell them. I do own a business however I am the owner of the hotel nor do I have a specific place where I conduct business yet. Do I need a license to sell alcohol at an event like this?


Asked on 6/15/10, 12:04 am

4 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

You need to get a liquor license for your hotel.

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Answered on 6/15/10, 3:16 am
Kevin B. Murphy Franchise Foundations, APC

Any attorney will say that to sell alcohol you need a liquor license. Consult with an attorney in your area for specifics.

Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. - Mr. Franchise

Franchise Attorney

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Answered on 6/15/10, 6:31 am
Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

Yes, absolutely necessary! If the hotel itself has a license, as many larger ones do, the hotel's catering department may be able to set up cash bars in your meeting rooms ad sell alcoholic beverages to your guests, but you cannot make the sales yourself without your own license. For particulars, you can contact an office of the California Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

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Answered on 6/15/10, 8:24 am

I would just add that unless the hotel has a liquor license, there is no way you will legally be able to sell or even serve alcohol at the hotel. You cannot get a "one-off" liquor license for an event, and you cannot get a license to sell alcohol at a location that you do not either own or have a long-term lease for, not to mention you must have local zoning that allows it as well.

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Answered on 6/15/10, 1:23 pm


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