ABC Event Licensing

Daily Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) License Review for Non-Profit Organizations


The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is the designated law enforcement agency tasked with reviewing all daily license applications submitted to the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) for events that need a special alcoholic beverage permit in the County of Humboldt. As per the California Code of Regulations and the Business & Professions Code, non-profit organizations seeking a special daily ABC permit must receive law enforcement approval before their applications are forwarded to the ABC District Office for final licensing approval.

Organizations can submit their completed ABC Daily License Application (ABC-221) or the ABC Catering Authorization Application (ABC-218) to the Sheriff’s Office either in person or via email. It is essential that all sections of the applications are fully completed, including the required signatures. In some cases, a letter from the property owner where the event will take place may be required. This letter must explicitly state that the owner grants permission for the organization to use the property for the event, detailing the date, time, address, and types of alcoholic beverages to be served. If the property owner has signed their section of form ABC-221, a separate authorization letter is not necessary.

For outdoor events, it is required to provide a detailed map or diagram of the event site in the application. This can be done by completing the ABC Supplemental Diagram (ABC-253) or by submitting an overhead image of the event area from Google Maps or Google Earth, clearly marking the designated beverage consumption zones as outlined in form ABC-253. Additionally, the applicant must sign at the bottom of the diagram page. Please be aware that not including a supplemental diagram with form ABC-221 for outdoor events will lead to the denial and return of the application.

All ABC applications sent for review by the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office must be submitted a minimum of 10 business days prior to the event date. This timeframe ensures sufficient opportunity for thorough review and processing of the application. Noncompliance with this requirement may result in the denial of the license.

Physical applications can be dropped off at the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Records Division during normal business hours. 

Records Division

Hours
Monday – Thursday
8 a.m. – 4 p.m 

Friday
8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Address
Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office
Records Division
826 Fourth Street
Eureka, California 95501-0516

Completed applications can also be emailed for review by the Administrative Sergeant at SheriffABCLicenseReview@co.humboldt.ca.us.

After the review is completed and the Sheriff’s Office grants approval, the signed application will be sent to the applicant via email. It is crucial for the applicant to ensure that their contact email address is clearly provided and legible on the ABC application. The approval email will also include the local Licensing Representative from the ABC District Office. The applicant must then reach out to the ABC District Office to complete the application process and pay required fees to receive their daily license. Approved applications without a return email address will be held at the Sheriff’s Office Records Division for pick-up by the applicant up to the date of the event.

Submission Tips and Information

  • It is essential to prioritize ABC applications as the initial step for any event planning. Please refrain from submitting last-minute requests, as there is no assurance that the application will be approved in time for your event date.
  • Additionally, do not include checks, money orders, or envelopes intended for ABC with your submission.
  • We will not forward the approved application to ABC for finalization and permit issuance.
  • Furthermore, we cannot accept or retain an incomplete ABC application while awaiting other necessary documents, such as diagrams or property owner authorization letters.
  • Generally, the typical timeframe for reviewing and approving applications is approximately 4 to 5 days following the receipt of the ABC application.
  • Currently, there are no fees associated with the review and approval of ABC applications.

Questions?

If you have any inquiries or questions regarding the ABC review process, please feel free to contact the Administrative Sergeant at (707) 268-3634.