The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) wants to ensure wholesalers are aware licensees impacted by the 2025 Los Angeles fires have the option to defer their license renewals fees. Eligible licensees opting to defer payment are still considered valid and will not be put into the penalty phase due to the extension.
In January, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order that provided an extension on license renewal fees, in addition to other relief, for businesses in the impacted area. ABC is currently tracking more than 300 businesses eligible for the extension.
Impacted licensees may pay their renewal fees prior to their one-year extension date. Licensees who choose to wait will see an “LA wildfire renewal extension” listed in the license types section for that licensee on ABC’s license lookup page. Those licensees will be considered in compliance with the terms of their license.
Licensees with questions should call ABC’s dedicated help line at (916) 562-1243 or e-mail lafire@abc.ca.gov. Additionally, ABC has added a list of Frequently Asked Questions to its website that may be helpful for impacted licensees.