We specialize in the full spectrum of California hospitality permits. From initial application to final approval.
City / Municipality
Business Operating License
Every city in California requires a local business license before operations begin. Requirements vary by city, and we handle every jurisdiction in the state.
IRS / Federal
EIN — Employer Identification Number
Required by the IRS for any business with employees, partnerships, corporations, and LLCs. Also needed to open a business bank account or apply for most licenses. We handle the filing and confirm receipt.
State of California
Seller's Permit (CDTFA)
Required for businesses that sell or lease tangible personal property in California. Administered by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
California Dept. of Public Health
Retail Food Facility Permit
Mandatory for any business that prepares, handles, or serves food to the public. Includes restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and catering operations.
County Health Department
County Health Permit
Issued by the county environmental health department. Required before opening and subject to regular inspections. We manage compliance for all 58 California counties.
ABC: Alcohol Beverage Control
Type 47: On-Sale General
Permits sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits for on-site consumption at a bona fide eating place. Required for most full-service restaurants and bars.
ABC: Alcohol Beverage Control
Type 41: On-Sale Beer & Wine
Allows the sale of beer and wine for on-site consumption at eating establishments. A more accessible entry-level liquor license for restaurants.
Food Safety
Food Handler & Food Manager
California requires all food employees to obtain a food handler card. Food safety managers must pass an accredited certification exam. We coordinate both.
Mobile Food / Events
Mobile Food Facility Permit
Required for food trucks, carts, and mobile caterers operating in California. Includes vehicle inspection coordination, commissary agreements, and multi-county coverage.
County Clerk
DBA — Fictitious Business Name
Required in California for any sole proprietor or partnership operating under a name other than their legal name. Filed at the county level and must be published in a local newspaper. We handle both.
ABC: Alcohol Beverage Control
Type 48: On-Sale General Bar
Authorizes sale of all types of alcoholic beverages at a bar or nightclub. Does not require a food service component, unlike Type 47.
ABC: Alcohol Beverage Control
Type 20: Off-Sale Beer & Wine
Permits retail sale of beer and wine for off-site consumption. Ideal for convenience stores, small markets, and specialty food shops.
ABC: Alcohol Beverage Control
Type 21: Off-Sale General
Permits retail sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits for off-site consumption. Required for liquor stores, supermarkets, and specialty bottle shops in California.
City / Planning Department
Zoning & Conditional Use Permit
Required before opening any restaurant, bar, or entertainment venue in most California cities. Zoning approval must often be secured before any other license can be issued. One of the most overlooked and most critical steps.
California EDD
Employer Registration — EDD
Required for all California employers within 15 days of paying wages exceeding $100 in a calendar quarter. Registers your business with the Employment Development Department for payroll tax purposes.
ABC: Alcohol Beverage Control
Type 58: Catering Authorization
Allows licensed caterers to serve alcohol at private events and venues not covered by their primary license. One of the fastest-growing license types in California's event industry.
City / Building Department
Sign Permit
Required by most California cities before installing any exterior signage. Size, placement, and illumination restrictions vary significantly by zoning district. Often overlooked until the week before opening.
City / County
Entertainment & Cabaret Permit
Required for venues hosting live music, dancing, comedy, or performances. Often paired with a conditional use permit depending on zoning and operating hours.
City / Fire Marshal
Assembly Occupancy & Fire Permit
Required for venues with public occupancy, nightclubs, concert halls, and event spaces. Includes fire safety inspection coordination and occupancy load certification.
California Dept. of Consumer Affairs
Cosmetology & Salon License
Required for all cosmetology establishments, barbershops, esthetics studios, and nail salons operating in California under DCA regulations.
California CDTFA
Tobacco Retailer License
Required for any California business selling cigarettes, cigars, vaping products, or tobacco accessories. Separate from a seller's permit and renewed annually. Violations carry significant penalties.
California Gambling Control Commission
Card Room License
Required for establishments operating legal card games in California. One of the most complex licensing processes in the state. Our team navigates every step.