Publication
Governor Newsom Issues Executive Order N-15-25 to Alleviate Licensing Burdens on Businesses Impacted by LA Fires
Quick Take
Executive Order N-15-25 aims to support businesses impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires by extending certain licensing deadlines associated with the Department of Consumer Affairs, Alcoholic Beverage Control, and Department of Cannabis Control, provided the business is located within a specified zip code.
Key Provisions of Executive Order N-15-25
Executive Order N-15-25 (the Order), issued by Governor Gavin Newsom on January 29, 2025, responds to the ongoing compliance challenges Los Angeles County businesses face as a result of the recent Palisades and Eaton wildfires, particularly regarding license and permit renewal deadlines and fees for replacing destroyed license certificates. The Order aims to ease the burdens of businesses impacted by the fires by extending renewal deadlines and waiving replacement fees.
The Order applies specifically to licensees and entities within the following zip codes: 90041, 90049, 90265, 90272, 90290, 90402, 91001, 91024, 91103, 91104, 91107, 91367, and 93536 (the Zip Codes).
For licensees of entities within the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) in the Zip Codes:
- The deadlines to pay fees to renew a license, certificate, permit, or similar indicia of licensure are extended for one year for any licensee with an expiration date occurring between January 1, 2025, and July 1, 2025.
- Fees for a duplicate or replacement license, wall certificate, or similar indicia of licensure are suspended, and such replacements will be provided free of charge until January 7, 2026.
- Delinquency, late, or penalty fees for the renewal of a license are suspended until July 1, 2025.
For Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licensees in the Zip Codes:
- The deadlines to pay annual license renewal fees are extended for one year for any license with a renewal date occurring between January 1, 2025, and July 1, 2025.
- All penalties for late payment of annual license renewal fees are suspended until January 7, 2026.
- Business and Professions Code (BPC) section 25509 is suspended until January 1, 2026. Selling licensees specified in this section are not required to (but still may, if they choose to do so) sell alcoholic beverages only on a cash basis if a retailer is in arrears or impose the 1 percent statutory penalty or successive 1 percent additional penalties on late payments.
For ABC licensees transferring or relocating to a business from a location in the Zip Codes to a new location within Los Angeles County on a temporary or permanent basis:
- The 180-day period during which an ABC licensee may temporarily operate its licensed business at an alternative location is extended to 360 days for any licensee that begins temporary operation in a new location within one year of the date of the Order.
- The following Business and Professions Code sections are suspended for one year from the date of the Order:
- Section 24081 to the extent it imposes a 1,000-foot proximity requirement between the temporary location and the premises for which the license was issued;
- Sections 24081 and 24082 to the extent they require license transfer fees;
- Section 23985 to the extent it prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages at the proposed premises of an application to sell alcoholic beverages for a period of 30 days following the posting of the required notice;
- Section 23987 to the extent it prohibits issuing or transferring a license until at least 30 days after mailing the required notice; and
- Section 24044.5 to the extent it requires that a protest shall have been filed with the Department as a precondition to approval of an Interim Operating Permit.
The deadlines related to appeals to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Board are extended for 30 calendar days for any ABC licensee in the Zip Codes.
The deadlines to pay licensure and renewal fees for Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) licensees in the Zip Codes are extended for one year for any licensee with an expiration date occurring between January 1, 2025, and July 1, 2025.
The deadlines for filing an initial appeal to the Cannabis Control Appeals Panel are extended for 30 calendar days for any DCC licensee in the Zip Codes.
The Order marks an important step in California’s efforts to recover from the destructive wildfires. As many businesses contend with formidable challenges in their attempts to regain stability, the Order could provide a slight reprieve from the turmoil. We will continue to monitor the implementation of Executive Order N-15-25, providing updates on its impact and further regulatory developments.
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