We must first emphasize that any legal entity, whether an individual or an organization, can buy a liquor license in the State of California without hiring spirits licensing experts. Keep in mind that the legal processes in obtaining a CA spirits license are open to the general public, not to mention that anybody who can read and write can apply for said license subject to certain provisions liquor store
. However, there are several benefits to hiring reliable liquor licensing experts to take care of said matter especially when it is your first time to apply for the license. Let’s take a closer look at these benefits.
It should be noted that in California, the Department of Alcoholic beverage has the authority to issue, suspend, deny and revoke alcoholic beverage licenses applied for by manufacturers, retailers and importers of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages. Thus, if you want to buy a liquor license, the department is your starting point. The department issues several types of retail spirits licenses, namely, on-sale and off-sale general, on-sale and off-sale beer and wine, and on-sale beer. Each of the abovementioned types are issued under distinct application processes and, thus, licenses. For example, a CA spirits license issued for a beer manufacturer will be different from that issued for a wine and beer importer.
With this in mind, we can easily draw the conclusion that the process in applying for and then being granted the liquor license is complicated, to say the least. Many business owners will apply for the license on a do-it-yourself basis before belatedly recognizing that the process including the papers are more complicated, more confusing and more convoluted than it meets the eye. The checklist of documents from the business papers to government certifications is lengthy, not to mention that the requirements for accuracy, timeliness and validity of these documents are stringent. In short, an inexperienced person who wants to buy a spirits license sans a liquor licensing expert is in for the shock of his life.
With a liquor licensing expert on your side, fortunately, you can let him take care of the nitty-gritty details of the paperwork, answer the questions of the department personnel, and generally facilitate the process. You, on the other hand, can just wait for the license to arrive in the mail. You will then be able to save on your time, effort and, most importantly, money. Liquor liability insurance is a confusing topic for many businesses and business owners. It actually has a far greater range of applications than most assume. It’s important to understand more about it, where and how it applies, and what types of businesses need it in order to fully protect themselves. Take a look at this guide to liquor liability, and its common misconceptions, to get started.
First, one of the biggest misconceptions is that liquor liability insurance is only for bars. That’s actually not true. Alcohol liability insurance is utilized by any business which manufactures, sells, serves, or facilitates, the usage of alcohol on its premises. That means beyond pure bars, alcohol liability applies to restaurants, clubs, social clubs, liquor stores, convenience stores, and more, including potentially events or event spaces.
Another misconception is that liquor liability insurance is really focused on drunk driving arrests and DUI-related charges. Certainly, that’s what generates the biggest headlines and the most fear, but the most common application is with assault and battery charges.
Also keep in mind that a general liability policy for your business is never inclusive of liquor liability. It would be a mistake to simply rest easy with the general liability policy and believe you’re covered. Liquor liability or host alcohol liability insurance is a separate type of coverage. That’s never something that you want to find out the hard way, after something has occurred and you’re on the hook.
Keep in mind that as with any other type of insurance policy, there’s a range of different options available. Some are certainly more costly, and comprehensive, than others. It’s important to consider your own needs and what you’re looking to pay for and guard against. For instance, many policies will include coverage extended to on-site employees, while others provide coverage specifically for legal fees and defense costs in court.
Hopefully you know a bit more about liquor liability coverage and what it all means. Clearly, it’s much different than many people tend to assume. That’s why it’s so important to work with an insurance provider or agent who can help you navigate the process, and find a policy which is truly tailor-made to your own needs. You don’t want to leave yourself unprotected, but of course, you don’t want to pay for protection you won’t ever need, either.