Question 1

Who has to file these forms?

Accepted Answer

Applicants for a California retail alcohol license (on-sale or off-sale, including transfers to a new premises). Your ABC district office includes ABC-251 and ABC-247 in the application package.

Question 2

What counts as a consideration point?

Accepted Answer

ABC-251 asks for schools, churches, hospitals, public playgrounds and youth facilities within 600 feet. Being near one doesn't automatically mean denial: ABC weighs whether the license would interfere with it (Bus. & Prof. Code §23789) and may add conditions.

Question 3

How is the distance measured?

Accepted Answer

In a straight line from the closest edge of your building to the closest edge of the facility's building. For parks, playgrounds and campuses we also measure to the edge of the grounds and use whichever is closer. Anything within 650 feet goes on your form, because mapped locations can be off by a few dozen feet.

Question 4

Why does the 100-ft residence rule matter?

Accepted Answer

Rule 61.4 bars a new retail license when a residence is within 100 feet of the premises or its parking lot, unless you show the business won't disturb the residents. Knowing this before you sign a lease or file can save months.

Question 5

Where does the data come from?

Accepted Answer

U.S. Department of Education school locations, California licensed child-care centers and health facilities, FEMA building footprints (which flag unnamed churches and schools) and OpenStreetMap. Public data can still miss storefront churches and in-home daycares, so the study ends with a short checklist for a walk around the block.

Question 6

Do you file it for me?

Accepted Answer

No. You review, sign and file the forms with your application. We aren't affiliated with ABC and don't give legal advice.

Your ABC-251 and ABC-247, measured and pre-filled.

ABC-251 and ABC-247 — the short version

Who has to file these forms?

What counts as a consideration point?

How is the distance measured?

Why does the 100-ft residence rule matter?

Where does the data come from?

Do you file it for me?

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