Bar License Requirements in Bakersfield, CA

Bars in Bakersfield must obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service under 26 U.S.C. § 6011, even as sole proprietorships, to comply with alcohol tax reporting. Federal excise taxes under 26 U.S.C. § 4471 apply to all alcoholic beverages sold, requiring quarterly Form 720 tax filings.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulates distilled spirits and requires compliance with labelling standards under 27 C.F.R. Part 5. The Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101) mandates accessible entrances, restrooms, and service areas. Bars must comply with Family and Medical Leave Act (29 U.S.C. § 2601) if employing 50+ workers and maintain Form I-9 employment verification for all staff.

Food service areas must comply with FDA Food Safety Modernisation Act (21 U.S.C. § 2201) if serving food, including employee hygiene training and allergen disclosure protocols. OSHA recordkeeping (29 U.S.C. § 657) applies to all bars with employees. Bars handling kegs or bottled beverages must comply with hazardous waste disposal under 40 C.F.R. Part 261.

The City of Bakersfield requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and Development Permit before ABC state licensing. You must demonstrate that the bar location complies with zoning code § 5-2108, which restricts bars in certain residential areas and requires distance compliance from schools (600 feet), public parks, and other bars (600 feet). A public hearing before Bakersfield Planning Commission is mandatory; expect attendance from nearby residents.

Additional local requirements include: (1) Kern County Health Department food service permit (if serving food, $300-$500), (2) Bakersfield Fire Department approval for occupancy limits and emergency exits, (3) City Building and Safety approval for renovations or new construction, and (4) Bakersfield Police Department operational plan approval covering security, hours, and staffing.

Bakersfield municipal code also requires an on-premises manager operating licence if the owner is not on-site daily. Signage permits must be obtained from the City; neon signs and exterior advertising are restricted in downtown Bakersfield. If your bar operates a kitchen, a commercial kitchen inspection is required by Kern County Environmental Health prior to opening. Parking requirements typically mandate 1 space per 3 seats. Special events serving alcohol require separate ABC Special Event permits (ABC 217).

Opening a bar in Bakersfield requires significant upfront licensing and permitting costs. The ABC On-Premises General Licence costs $350-$450 for the application fee and $300-$750 for the annual licence (total $650-$1,200 first year). The Bakersfield Conditional Use Permit filing fee is $400-$600. The City Development Permit costs $250-$400.

Kern County Health Department food service permit (if serving food) costs $300-$500. Bakersfield Fire Department review and approval costs $150-$300. City Building and Safety review (if renovating) costs $200-$600. Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training for employees is mandated; courses cost $15-$30 per employee (budget $200-$400 for initial staff training).

Additional costs include: business registration (California Secretary of State) $100-$150, Kern County business licence $100-$300, commercial general liability insurance (minimum $1 million) $1,500-$3,500 annually, and if applicable, on-premises manager licence renewal $350. Zoning study and legal review for CUP hearing typically costs $800-$2,000.

Estimated first-year total: $5,000-$10,000 (licensing and permits only). Second year and beyond: $1,500-$2,500 annual renewal costs. This excludes tenant improvements, equipment, inventory, and working capital. Bakersfield location, foot traffic, and local demand significantly impact actual costs and approval likelihood.

ABC On-Premises General licences must be renewed annually on the anniversary date of issuance (California Business and Professions Code § 24200). Renewal deadlines are typically 60 days before licence expiration. Failure to renew by the deadline results in automatic suspension of your licence; you cannot sell alcohol while expired.

Renewal fees are $350-$750 depending on annual gross revenue. Submit Form 227A (Renewal Application) online or by mail to the ABC office in Bakersfield through https://www.abc.ca.gov. No continuing education is mandated for bar owners; however, all servers and bartenders must complete ABC-certified alcohol education (Responsible Beverage Service) before employment. Many bars require annual refresher training for staff.

If you miss the renewal deadline, your licence is suspended immediately. Reinstatement requires paying a penalty ($100-$250 plus renewal fee) and filing a new application. The ABC may require a public hearing for late renewals if more than 30 days overdue. Online renewal through the ABC website is available 90 days before expiration. Local city permits must also be renewed annually (typically $250-$500); confirm renewal dates with Bakersfield Planning and Community Development.

Operating a bar in Bakersfield without a valid ABC On-Premises General Licence violates California Business and Professions Code § 24200, incurring civil penalties of $250-$1,000 per day for each day alcohol is unlawfully sold. Criminal penalties under § 24200 include misdemeanour charges (up to 6 months in county jail and $1,000 fine). Selling alcohol without a licence is a "per se" violation—no good-faith intent defence exists.

The ABC investigates unlicensed operations through customer complaints, routine compliance checks, and coordination with local law enforcement. Upon discovery, the ABC issues a cease-and-desist order requiring immediate cessation of alcohol sales. Violation of the cease-and-desist order escalates penalties to felony charges if the business continues operating. Operating without an ABC licence also voids commercial liability insurance—your insurance provider will deny claims for injuries or incidents at the bar.

Bakersfield code § 5-2108 adds municipal violations for operating without required local permits, carrying civil penalties of $500-$2,000 per day. The City Attorney may seek injunctive relief to permanently close the establishment. Criminal prosecution for unlicensed operation is referred to the Kern County District Attorney's office, which pursues misdemeanour and felony charges. Convictions result in permanent disqualification from obtaining future ABC licences under § 24015, and the owner's name is recorded in the ABC's prohibited persons database. Additionally, unpaid ABC fines prevent renewal or reapplication for 3 years.