SERVICE
Serve alcohol at your outdoor special event
Learn what permissions you need to serve alcohol at your event. As the event organizer, you are responsible for safely providing alcohol service to attendees.
Police DepartmentWhat to know
Cost
$25 and upLiquor license fees are paid directly to the CA Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
What you’ll need
- Security plan, approved by the SF Police Department
- Liquor license application, approved by the SF Police Department
- Approved liquor license permit from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)
Timeline
Submit your security plan and liquor license application to the Police Department at least 3 months before your event.
What to know
Cost
$25 and upLiquor license fees are paid directly to the CA Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
What you’ll need
- Security plan, approved by the SF Police Department
- Liquor license application, approved by the SF Police Department
- Approved liquor license permit from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC)
Timeline
Submit your security plan and liquor license application to the Police Department at least 3 months before your event.
What to do
Create a security plan
A security plan is a detailed description of your plans to ensure the safety and security of the people. It also includes keeping the physical area in and around the event safe and secure.
This security plan should include:
- Plans to prevent underage drinking, over-serving patrons, drunk driving
- How you will address intoxicated behavior to protect the health and safety of the public
- How you’ll separate people under the age of 21 from those of legal drinking age
Apply for the appropriate ABC License
All events with alcohol need a liquor license. This includes if alcohol is free, or if the event organizer is a non-profit.
Common types of liquor licenses for special events:
- Daily Special License (Form 221): For nonprofits serving beer and/or wine.
- Daily General License (Form 221): For charitable, religious, or civic groups serving beer, wine, and spirits.
- Catering Authorization (Form 218): For events that hire caterers, bars, or restaurants that already have their own Caterer’s Liquor Permit.
- Event Authorization (Form 215): For bars or restaurants holding events on nearby property.
Key rules for liquor licenses
Daily Liquor Licenses
- Keep alcohol in a clearly marked and controlled area under supervision
- Only sell the type of alcohol listed on your license (beer, wine, or spirits)
- Never serve anyone under 21
- Never serve to anyone who looks drunk
- Check IDs
- Serve only one drink per person at a time
- Use 16oz cups or smaller
- Don’t let attendees bring their own alcohol
- Have food and non-alcoholic drinks available
- Train your staff with these rules
Nonprofit organizations
If you are a nonprofit group, you can sell alcohol and keep the money if you get a Daily Special or Daily General License.
You will apply for the same types of licenses if you give away alcoholic drinks.
You can use your own volunteers or hire trained staff to serve alcohol. Anyone who mixes drinks must be at least 21, and anyone serving must be at least 18.
It’s best to hire staff trained in checking IDs and spotting intoxicated guests (L.E.A.D. certified).
For-profit businesses and individuals
You can’t get one of the Daily licenses if the event organizer is a for-profit business or individual. In these cases, you must hire a company that already has a Caterer’s Liquor Permit (Type 58).
This company will get the ABC Catering Authorization and provide the alcohol service. They must purchase alcohol from an ABC-licensed wholesaler.
If your event will have attendees of all ages, only caterers with a Type 41 or Type 47 license can serve alcohol.
You cannot partner with a non-profit so that they can apply for a Daily license and then share the proceeds.
Contact ABC
For questions about ABC requirements, contact their San Francisco district office at SanFrancisco@abc.ca.gov, 415-356-6500.