CA ABC Removes “Meal” Requirement for Wineries to Apply for Temporary Premise Expansion

The California Department of Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) has revised its requirements for wineries to temporarily expand their licensed footprints by applying for a COVID-19 Temporary Catering Authorization (Form 218 CV19). Previously, wineries were required to serve a “bona fide meal” to apply under Form 218 CV19, but the recent revisions remove the meal requirement.

The authorization will allow wineries to provide additional tasting room space and comply with physical distancing requirements during the COVID-19 crisis. This includes additional indoor and outdoor locations, parking lots, streets, sidewalks, and other areas immediately accessible to the licensee.

Wineries seeking to permanently expand their licensed footprint can do so through the Form 257 process and are encouraged to contact their county officials and district ABC office for available options in their region.