Alcoholic beverages: licenses: County of San Luis Obispo.

Assembly Member Addis's proposal to expand alcohol licensing in San Luis Obispo County responds to increased tourism demand by authorizing up to 10 new on-sale general licenses for restaurants and eating establishments. The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control would issue these additional licenses at a maximum rate of five per year, creating an exception to existing population-based license limits.

The legislation establishes specific parameters for these new licenses. Holders of seasonal business licenses retain eligibility to apply, while transfer restrictions prevent licenses from being moved outside the county or to non-qualifying premises. The bill also caps resale prices at the original fee paid, aiming to prevent speculation in the secondary market. The Department may designate these as special-use licenses without modifying their core privileges or restrictions.

According to the bill's findings, this county-specific approach addresses a mismatch between standard population-based licensing limits and San Luis Obispo's growing tourism sector. While population growth has remained steady, the bill's authors note that tourist activity has increased exponentially, driving heightened demand for alcohol-serving establishments. The measure maintains existing licensing procedures under state law while creating a targeted expansion for this particular jurisdiction.