ABC -221 Permit Instructions
The State of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control issues permits that give permission to sell alcohol. Non-Profit Organizations wishing to sell alcohol need a one-day permit. This can be obtained through Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC). Private Parties (i.e. weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, or anyone other than a non-profit organization) shall not sell alcohol on their own.
If a private party wishes to sell alcohol, they must arrange this through a licensed caterer. The caterer must have a license obtained from the State of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control which enables the caterer to sell beer, wine and distilled spirits (hard liquor). If the caterer does not have this license, the private party cannot sell alcohol. No exceptions. It is illegal for a private party to sell alcohol.
An ABC License is not required for organizations to serve alcohol for the their guests at a private function as long as there are not tickets sold for the event.
All renters who sell or serve alcohol are required to have a City of Mountain House Alcohol Permit ($100) as part of their rental permit.
Qualified Organizations
To qualify for a GENERAL license, you must be:
- An organization formed for a specific charitable or civic purpose
- A fraternal organization in existence for over five years
- A religious organization
- A political organization
To qualify for a BEER AND WINE license, you must be:
- An existing non-profit organization including charitable, civic, cultural, fraternal, patriotic, political, religious, social or amateur sports organization
- If this is the first time your organization is having an event, the organization must first be qualified by the Department. As proof, you should bring in IRS and/or Franchise Tax Board documents showing your tax exempt status with your tax I.D. number
To qualify to sell alcohol at your event in a Mountain House facility or park, the organization must have an approved Non-Profit Verification Form on file with the District.
Application Requirements
- Complete Daily License Authorization (Form ABC-221)
- Authorization from property owner is required (property owner may sign Form ABC-221 or a signed letter showing the date, time, place and type of alcoholic beverages to be served may be submitted)
- San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department Approval (if applicable/see below)
- A detailed diagram of the event location may be required on outdoor events (Form ABC-253)
- Form ABC-221 must be submitted to the local ABC District Office (3021 Reynolds Ranch Parkway, Suite 150, Lodi, CA 95240) which has jurisdiction over the event location. For a listing of ABC District Offices, please visit ABC District Offices
- Form ABC-221 may be submitted either in person or by mail.
- Form ABC-221 must be received within ten (10) days prior to the event, but should not be submitted more than thirty (30) days in advance
Effective July 1, 2022, any nonprofit organization applying for a daily license is required to have a valid certified Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) server onsite at all times during the event within the area where the service of alcoholic beverages is occurring.
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For additional information, please visit the ABC RBS Portal
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Virtual Events: Events that will be held 100% virtually are exempt from the RBS server mandate.
If your organization intends to make a “Casino Night” or use controlled games as part of your fundraising event, you must comply with Business and Professions Code Section 19985, which includes pre-approval from the Bureau of Gambling Control of the Department of Justice. Please visit Nonprofit Organization Gambling Fundraiser Registration Program for more information.
Fees
To determine fee(s) due, visit License Fees page.
Method of Payment
Cashier’s check or money order made payable to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department Approval
Sheriff's Department approval may be required when any of the following apply:
- A large number of people are attending
- The event is being held on a public street or in a public area (i.e. - parking lot)
- This is the first time an event is being held at the location
- The event is a “casino night”
- In certain other circumstances at the Department’s discretion.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain local law enforcement’s approval.
This may be done via a letter from the local agency, or the official may sign directly on Form ABC-221.
Bring the completed application to the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department, 7000 Michael Canlis Blvd., French Camp, CA 95231. If you have questions, contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department, (209) 468-4400. Photographs or screenshots of the application will not be accepted. Ensure that the application has been signed by the organization's representative and the property owner prior to submitting to the Sheriff's Department.
The Sheriff's Department requires the submittal of ABC License applications at least 2 weeks in advance of the event date and no more than 30 days prior. There is no fee for law enforcement review and/or signature. Staff will call you when the approved application can be picked up at the Sheriff's Department. If the application is e-mailed or if an e-mail address is left with the application, a PDF copy of the signed application will be sent to you via e-mail. Submit the signed application to your local Alcoholic Beverage Control Office for licensing review and issuance.
To obtain law enforcement approval for an Alcoholic Beverage Control Daily License Application, fill out an ABC-221 form. View instructions for obtaining a daily license.
Security Requirements
All events within Mountain House that operate under an ABC Daily License are required to have licensed security on scene with a ratio of 1:100.
All security companies and/or security officers must hold valid guard card through the Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Security and Investigative Services or be sworn peace officers within the State of California. Security officers must be uniformed and may not take part in the event. Note that events are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the nature and history of the event, more officers may be required.
