ABC Type 58 Caterer's Permit + per-event Catering Authorizations (ABC-218): Los Angeles restaurant guide

California ABC

What it is

Lets a Type 41/42/47/48 licensee serve alcohol at off-site catered events. The Caterer's Permit is added to your license once; each event then needs its own Catering Authorization approved by ABC.

When a restaurant needs it

Catering events where you will sell or serve alcohol away from your licensed premises.

How to apply

File a Correction/Application Request Form ABC-239 with your ABC district office to add the Type 58 permit; then file Form ABC-218 for each event online (at least 5 days before, no more than 90 days before) or on paper (at least 3 days before).

Documents you’ll need

Form ABC-239 (add Caterer's Permit)
Form ABC-218 Catering Authorization per event
Property owner consent and event details
Law-enforcement approval where ABC requires it

Fee

Annual Caterer's Permit fee set by Business & Professions Code 23320 (varies by license type and city population); each Catering Authorization $100 per day for events under 1,000 attendance up to $1,000 for 5,000+ attendees (effective Jan 1, 2026)

Processing time

Authorizations are not automatic — ABC must approve each event

Renewal

Permit renews with the license; authorizations are per event

Who files

The ABC licensee files; a manager with online account access can file the ABC-218s.

Good to know

ABC limits catering to 36 catered events per year at any one location, and each licensee may hold only one Caterer's Permit.

Official source

ABC — Caterer's Permit · ABC — apply for a Type 58 Catering Authorization

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.