Legal Question in Business Law in California

I am currently unemployed and have been attending the local One Stop which is a job resource center. Some of us have come up with the idea of an e commerce business for the local area of selling alcohol and having it delivered to people to avoid from others driving while intoxicated. And to offer a ride home for free for those who have been drinking. I got the idea from www.pinkdot.com. We would like to know what the laws are as far as being able to transport alcohol. Is a liquor license needed to transport for delivery? Do we need one for each city nearby since we known as the Five Cities area in the county.


Asked on 12/31/10, 3:15 pm

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

I think the idea of a home-delivery service for liquor is a great idea. You would have a huge potential customer base of people who, for whatever reason, can't walk or stagger as far as the nearest Ralph's. But I think the Alcoholic Beverage Commission would never go for it and yes, you would need a liquor license.

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Answered on 1/05/11, 5:14 pm
Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

I don't think it's a great idea. If you have run the numbers and want to give it a try, you have two regulatory hurdles. First, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board - they have local offices in major cities throughout the state, and there will be someone in each office who can tell you what permits are required. Then, the California Public Utilities Commission may regulate and license delivery services. As far as city/county business licenses, you'll need one for the city or county where the business is situated.

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Answered on 1/06/11, 2:08 pm


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