Tenant representation
- . . . Alcoholic beverage law and legal services for businesses engaged in, or seeking to engage in, the sales of alcoholic beverages. California Alcoholic Beverage Law services include ABC licenses, conditional use permits, Police Department permits, Sheriff Department permits, and determinations of Public Convenience or Necessity. California Alcoholic Beverage Law is a legal practice area of William A. Adams of Norton, Moore, & Adams, LLP. Mr. Adams has been providing legal services to the hospitality, grocery, and convenience store industries for over 20 years. Although the firm's offices are in San Diego California, the firm provides its alcoholic beverage legal services statewide. The firm also provides representation to businesses in enforcement proceedings related to alcoholic beverage sales, entertainment, and related matters.
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Does your jurisdiction have a Trader Joe’s exemption?
Trade Joe’s is so popular that laws are drafted to accommodate them while keeping out competitors, and communities swoon to receive them while staunchly opposing other businesses selling the same types of goods.
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Tagged alcoholic beverage, artisan, Craft brew, exempt, grocery, off-sale, Trader Joe's
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Same but Different: The two laws even city planning staff confuse.
In a recent process, I represented a client in a matter in which the issue was whether the client’s use was grandfathered under the old municipal zoning code or whether more recent amendments applied to it. Interestingly, municipal staff raised … Continue reading
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Tagged alcoholic beverages, grandfather, previous conforming
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How to Start a Bar or Pub Without Becoming a Restaurant.
Many entrepeneurs intent on opening a bar, nightclub, pub, cocktail lounge, live entertainment, or similar business in California, which will include the availability of wine, beer, or spirits, are surprised to learn that their business plan is simply not allowed. … Continue reading
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Starting a Craft Brewery – The Regulatory Process, Part 2
Part 1 of this series discussed the State licensing process for establishing a brewery. However, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC”) will not issue a license until the applicant can show municipal or County zoning allows a brewery … Continue reading
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What is Deemed Approved?
A number of California cities and counties are adopting “deemed approved” ordinances. These ordinances target existing grocery stores, liquor stores, and specialty stores, which sell alcoholic beverages to take home (or elsewhere).
No Fault License Revocation
Perhaps the most insidious way in which a restaurant, bar, or other business with an alcoholic beverage can get its license revoked is when an employee sells illegal drugs.
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The Triple Threat of Applying for the Right to Sell Alcoholic Beverages
The permitting process for any business, but especially those selling alcoholic beverages, can be extremely confusing, expensive, time consuming, different in each locality, and often makes little sense.
Case Study: How a Bad Regulation is Passed
On August 28, 2013, the Mayor and City Council of the City of El Cajon passed a new alcoholic beverage ordinance. The room was packed. The various non-profit groups that have popped up with alcohol and tobacco tax funding made … Continue reading
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